Inwijding van het nieuwe academiegebouw van de universiteit van Groningen 1850

This small silver medal commemorates the opening of the University of Groningen’s new academy building. Although the artist is unknown, the medal would have been die struck, a process involving skilled metalworkers who translate a design into a precisely cut die, which is then used to stamp the image onto the metal. Consider how the medal’s material influences its appearance. The cool, reflective surface of silver lends it an air of prestige, and the medal's small size gives it a sense of intimacy. The incised lines of the architecture and text are sharp and refined, demonstrating expert craftsmanship. The making of commemorative medals has a long and interesting history. This one reflects the economic conditions and the availability of specialized labor in the 19th century. It also reminds us that art and design objects such as this can be a tangible record of a historical event. Appreciating the materials, making, and context of this medal helps us understand the role of craft and design in shaping social memory.