Willem I Frederik, koning der Nederlanden 1815 - 1843

This bronze medal portraying Willem I Frederik, King of the Netherlands, was likely made by an anonymous artist. Its creation likely involved techniques like casting and striking. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, offers durability for reproducing images. The medal's weight and metallic density are qualities of its materiality. Consider the historical context: such medals served as tools of political communication and commemoration. The act of striking a medal could have been a skilled activity performed by artisans. The creation of medals often involved a division of labor, where some artisans would be responsible for designing the image, while others would be involved in the actual production process. It is important to consider the economic and social implications of producing such objects, and how they were distributed to wider audiences. By looking closely at the materials, processes, and social context, we can fully understand the significance of this artwork.