Eerste eeuwfeest van de Confrerie Pictura, de tekenacademie te 's-Gravenhage 1756

Curator: Here we have a commemorative medal, dating from 1756. It was crafted by Nicolaas van Swinderen, celebrating the centennial of the Confrerie Pictura, the art academy of The Hague. Editor: It feels so classical, so deliberate. I mean, on one side you've got these almost angelic figures bathed in light, pouring over some artistic pursuit, while the other side is filled with ornate script, encircling what looks like a coat of arms. A real contrast. Curator: Indeed. The composition is divided into two distinct sides. One side showcases allegorical figures representing artistic practice—painting, sculpture perhaps. Light streams down, evoking inspiration and enlightenment. The reverse displays institutional pride, bearing inscriptions and symbols associated with the Confrerie. Editor: That goddessy woman with the lute. She just sits so calmly while the other puts...paint on the easel. They just don’t look relaxed at all. Maybe because of this huge weight they had back then from this confrerie. And look, the poor lying sculpture under the woman with the lute. Did nobody like his piece? Curator: The Confrerie Pictura held significant sway over artistic production and taste in The Hague during that era. This medal encapsulates their institutional power. Medals such as these were often distributed to commemorate significant events, assert authority, and promote their values and artistic philosophies. The academy dictated style, technique, even subject matter to some extent, shaping the trajectory of Dutch Golden Age art. Editor: The back, though, is a riot of lettering and that heraldic crest… almost impenetrable now. So this was, in effect, their anniversary swag? Curator: In a way, yes! It was tangible proof of their influence. And as for your take on its style? Bear in mind the Dutch Golden Age was drawing to a close by this time, though, still influencing art across the country. The use of allegory, classical allusions... it all served to elevate the status of the academy. Editor: You can almost smell the pomposity... the importance these guys thought they carried. Though, you know, a hundred years is pretty good innings for an art school! Still, to be literally stamped into metal...it is kind of brilliant. Curator: And seeing how artistic academies formed national canons, dictated taste… This piece isn’t merely commemorative, but illustrative of institutional power. Editor: It does make you think, though, about what institutions we celebrate today. What’s our metal-worthy swag now, in our current age of art? Food for thought!