Vroedschapspenning van de stad Rotterdam Possibly 1704 - 1729

Curator: Here at the Rijksmuseum, we have the Vroedschapspenning van de stad Rotterdam. Likely dating from 1704 to 1729, it's attributed to Adriaen van der Werff and is a rather striking piece executed in metal. Editor: It has a coldness to it, doesn’t it? A silvery, almost lunar quality. It looks like a portal into another world—one cast in polished steel. What do you make of its texture and symbolism? Curator: Absolutely, there's a deliberate coldness to the iconography. The relief on one side presents a river god, seemingly the Maas, accompanied by allegorical figures suggesting Rotterdam's prosperity through waterways. Editor: So, this isn’t just a pretty image. This coin, literally translates to “city council” and was made as an insignia or some other identifier for the municipality of Rotterdam during a time where they were consolidating more power. Curator: Precisely. The Dutch Golden Age was marked by the consolidation of oligarchical power structures. Such imagery served to visually reinforce the council's authority. Editor: The back includes coats of arms and text in Latin that translate into, “It provides revenue through rivers and the sea, the city council always does all of this” Which really paints a story that the municipality viewed their ability to move things along the Maas as crucial to their economic success. The symbolism with the river god adds to the importance they give to waterways. Curator: Yes, that visual and textual symbiosis! And let’s not forget the political message – stability, prosperity, and the assurance of constant care by the Senate. Such images shaped perceptions. Editor: Even the choice of metal has weight, lending the symbolism a monumental, timeless quality. It is a small piece, yet embodies so much of Rotterdam’s aspirations and the self-image of its ruling class. It seems the river god can be seen as both a mythological being and also representing real trade and power structures within the society. Curator: Precisely, an intertwining of mythology and the mundane world to serve power. And what is power, after all, but a construct built from such intricate layers of meaning and visual persuasion? Editor: Indeed. A powerful, little coin—reflecting larger social and economic realities.