Twee penningen ter ere van 200 jaar vrijheid in Vlissingen, 1772 1772 - 1773

This print, created in 1772 by Noach van der Meer II, commemorates two centuries of freedom in Vlissingen. The print depicts two pairs of circular commemorative coins, each pair celebrating the same historical milestone through differing visual and textual elements. Note how the circular form of the coins creates a contained space, emphasizing the cyclical nature of commemoration and history. Each coin features meticulously rendered allegorical figures and architectural symbols set against a neutral background, which draws our attention to the contrast of texture and detail within the coins themselves. The upper pair, dedicated to the magistrate, uses classical imagery to evoke civic virtue and authority. The lower pair, dedicated to the citizenry, employs a different set of symbols, suggesting a broader, more inclusive vision of freedom. The textual inscriptions around the coins act as framing devices, further emphasizing the historical and political context of the event. These formal choices highlight a complex interplay between power, memory, and representation in Dutch society.