Joseph Francois Kluyskens, chirurg uit België 1870

This bronze medal portraying Joseph Francois Kluyskens, a surgeon from Belgium, was created by Victor Lemaire. The medal's material and production speak volumes. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, lends itself to the striking process, where the design is impressed through forceful impact. This is not just a portrait, but an object manufactured for distribution. The weight and feel of the metal, its resistance to wear, all contribute to its commemorative power. The very act of minting suggests an attempt to fix Kluyskens's legacy, replicating his image for broad circulation. Consider the labor involved in creating the dies, the tools used to impress the image, and the workers operating the machines. This medal represents a shift towards industrial production, a move away from the handmade towards repeatable, standardized forms. This medal challenges the division between art and craft, prompting us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our understanding and appreciation of art.