Krukgewicht van 1000 ducaten sonder sack c. 1700

This bronze weight, made by Jacob Admiral II in the 18th century, was used to measure one thousand ducats without a bag. Bronze’s density and durability made it ideal for weights, ensuring consistent measurements over time. The casting process, likely involving a mold made from sand or clay, would have allowed for precise shaping and the integration of the handle. The incised inscription, carefully carved into the bronze, denotes the weight’s purpose. The weight speaks to the rise of mercantilism and standardized trade practices. Its hefty presence embodies the tangible value of currency, reflecting the labor and resources exchanged in the bustling markets of the Dutch Golden Age. It makes you think of the countless transactions it would have facilitated, ensuring fair exchange in a world increasingly driven by commerce. It challenges our traditional notion of what art can be and highlights the intersection of craft, commerce, and material culture.