Maurits, graaf van Nassau, ingehuldigd als graaf van Moers 1601

This struck medal commemorates Maurits of Nassau becoming Count of Moers. It would have been made by a skilled metalworker, probably working from wax models to create steel dies, from which the medals could be pressed in multiples. The material is key to understanding the medal's significance. The cool, durable metal—likely silver—speaks to the value placed on this event, while the process of striking coins emphasizes the importance of mechanical reproduction in the early modern period. Look closely, and you will see how the design translates into the relief of the metal, with Maurits depicted in armor on one side and a heraldic crest on the other. Consider the labor involved in its production. From the mining of the metal to the craftsmanship required to design and strike the medal, it reflects a complex network of economic and social relations. By recognizing the interplay of materials, making, and context, we can better understand the full meaning of this work.