Eerste eeuwfeest van de Reformatie door Martin Luther 1617

Curator: What a fascinating object! This is a commemorative medal celebrating the first centenary of the Reformation by Martin Luther. It dates back to 1617 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first thought? Worn, used. It feels like something someone might have nervously rubbed between their fingers. The cool touch of metal in a heated debate perhaps? You can almost feel its age and the hands it has passed through. Curator: Exactly. It speaks to the palpable effect of Reformation on 17th-century society. The distribution of medals like these cemented Luther’s legacy in the popular imagination and visually broadcast Protestant identity. Editor: And look at the making; the incised lines, the choice of metal. Mass-produced? Hand-struck? Were these circulated among a specific community or were they more broadly available? I bet examining the wear patterns would tell a compelling story about how and by whom it was used. Curator: Good question! The medal presents a clear visual program legitimizing Luther. On one side you see a depiction related to Luther. It's iconography designed for maximum symbolic impact in the religious and political landscape of the time. Editor: Material like this really blurs the lines between 'high art' and more commonplace craftwork. Who were the engravers? Were they recognized artists, or artisans employed for their technical skill? Understanding their place in the production chain matters. Curator: Absolutely. It is a reminder that history isn't just dates and names; it is the everyday objects, the symbols we create and consume. This medal tells a story of faith, identity, and the lasting power of an idea. Editor: And it underscores the value of looking closely, considering not only the 'what' and 'why' but the 'how'. The medal's creation and circulation reflect the complex relationship between belief, material culture, and lived experience. A small object, carrying a powerful message, indeed!