Doos horend bij een bronzen penning 1861

This box for a bronze medal was made by David van der Kellen sometime in the 19th century. It's small, made with carefully cut and assembled pieces of wood and covered in tooled leather. While seemingly humble, this object gives us insight into the culture of collecting and display in the 1800s. The box shows a dedication to careful craftsmanship and a regard for the art object that it protects. From tanning the leather, to cutting and shaping the wood, and finely decorating the box, each stage of the process speaks to specific labor practices that relied on trained artisans. Consider how these materials and processes contribute to our appreciation of the medal itself. A box such as this elevates a simple bronze object into something precious, challenging any perceived divide between fine art and craft.