Willem I, koning der Nederlanden 1815 - 1843

This bronze medal depicts Willem I, King of the Netherlands. Although the artist is unknown, the piece speaks volumes about its time. The medal was likely created using a method called striking, where the design is stamped onto the metal through pressure. The choice of bronze, a durable and relatively inexpensive material, suggests it was intended for wider circulation, rather than being a unique artwork for elite display. Consider the weight of the monarchy at this time: these kinds of objects acted as propaganda. The very process of mass-producing such an image speaks to the social and political context of the time – an era of emerging industrialization and the rise of mass media. Each medal carries the weight of labor, politics, and consumption. So next time you encounter a medal, remember it's not just about the image, but about the touch, the trace, and the wider world of making. It challenges the traditional idea of art, reminding us that even the smallest object can carry significant cultural meaning.