Tweehonderdjarig bestaan van de Universiteit te Utrecht 1836 1835

This bronze medal was made by David van der Kellen in 1836 to commemorate the bicentennial of Utrecht University. The medal’s form alludes to ancient coinage, updated with Neoclassical motifs. Cast bronze is a relatively democratic material, especially suited to multiples. The fine detailing on the medal’s surface, including the figure of Minerva and the wreath on its reverse, speaks to the skill of the die cutter, a precise craft requiring a highly trained hand and eye. This kind of labor was essential to the smooth running of the 19th century economy. The medal’s relative permanence embodies the enduring values of the University. By appreciating the social context, labor and industrial processes involved, we can recognize its cultural significance and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.