Verheffing van de prins van Oranje tot stadhouder door de Staten van Utrecht 1747

Johann Conrad Marmé created this medal to commemorate the elevation of the Prince of Orange to Stadtholder by the States of Utrecht. The medal gives insight into the political and cultural landscape of the Dutch Republic. Stadtholder was a powerful position, often held by members of the House of Orange. The imagery reflects the intertwining of political power with dynastic and inherited status. Portraits of the Prince of Orange and symbols of Utrecht, are combined with a tree. Medals like these weren't just simple keepsakes; they were tools for shaping public opinion and preserving a certain narrative. They were often distributed among elites and those connected with the House of Orange to reinforce loyalty and a sense of belonging. In these symbols of power, there's always an emotional dimension, a sense of hope, pride, and belonging. They served as reminders of who held power and who was included or excluded from it.