Zevenhonderjarig bestaan van 's-Hertogenbosch herdacht door de Vereeniging van Goud- en Zilversmeden 1885 1885

Editor: This object, "Zevenhonderjarig bestaan van 's-Hertogenbosch herdacht door de Vereeniging van Goud- en Zilversmeden 1885," made in 1885, looks like a commemorative coin or medal. It is made of metal. There's a definite sense of historical weight here. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: Its materiality speaks volumes. Think about it – gold and silversmiths creating a medal celebrating a city's anniversary. This immediately highlights the role of craftsmanship and the socioeconomic fabric of 's-Hertogenbosch. What would this commemorative piece have meant for the members of this 'Vereeniging' - the association of goldsmiths and silversmiths - economically and socially? Editor: Well, I imagine it gave them visibility, right? Maybe affirmed their guild's importance to the city, linking their craft to local history and pride. Curator: Precisely. The medal becomes more than just a commemorative object; it’s a tangible manifestation of labor, skill, and local economic power. It challenges the divide between 'high' art, and the decorative arts used in everyday items. Who was consuming these sorts of medals and for what purpose? Editor: Interesting. So it shifts the focus from aesthetics to production and societal roles. It makes you consider the labor and economics tied to the creation and circulation of such an item. Curator: Exactly. By examining the materials and the context of its production, we can uncover a whole network of social relationships. Did the availability of certain metals impact the number of these medallions, or who acquired them? This pushes us to look beyond traditional art historical interpretations, and towards a more materialist understanding of art and its relationship to society. Editor: I never considered the socioeconomic implications of a commemorative metal! Now, looking at it, it's not just a shiny object but a testament to labor and trade. Thanks. Curator: Indeed, the material itself has a story to tell if we listen closely.