Petrus Schenck, graveur en boekverkoper te Amsterdam en zijn vrouw 1701

This silver medal portraying Petrus Schenck, an engraver and book seller in Amsterdam, and his wife, was crafted by Christian Wermuth. Though undated, it provides a glimpse into the lives of tradespeople in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During this period, Dutch society was undergoing significant transformations driven by global trade and the rise of a merchant class. Wermuth, a noted medalist, captures the Schencks with a dignified air, reflecting their status and perhaps their aspirations. Note the elaborate wigs and drapery, markers of wealth and social standing. Yet, these symbols also underscore the rigid social hierarchies of the time. Consider the role of women; while Schenck's wife is depicted, her identity remains secondary to her husband. This medal invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between individual identity, social status, and the prevailing cultural norms of the Dutch Golden Age.