Afdeling Arnhem van de Geldersche Maatschappij van Landbouw, penning uitgereikt aan H.J. Wilke, vanwege zijn verzameling coniferen 1846 - 1855

Curator: This piece is a medal presented to H.J. Wilke by the Arnhem Department of the Geldersche Agricultural Society, in recognition of his conifer collection. It likely dates from between 1846 and 1855. Editor: It has such a weighty, almost solemn presence, doesn't it? The silver finish lends it an air of seriousness, despite its small size. It makes me think about the land. Curator: It does speak to a deep connection with the land. Awarding medals was common practice for agricultural societies who were trying to promote best practice through recognizing contributions in local communities. We are really talking about 19th century agricultural politics here. Editor: The imagery underscores that. Notice the prominence of the agricultural plow, it’s a recurring symbol throughout history linked with human dominion over nature. It reminds me of ancient agricultural deities. Curator: And the coat of arms! With its placement framed by the oak leaves, a familiar symbol of strength and endurance, this medallion emphasizes themes of both civic pride and agricultural productivity. It served a purpose far beyond simple acknowledgment. Editor: Exactly! It visualizes value systems. The object itself becomes an icon, an artifact imbued with communal aspiration. Even today it invites viewers to engage with 19th-century ideas of landscape, cultivation and progress. Curator: What’s interesting here is the choice of conifer trees for the collection because traditionally conifer's don't grow as well here. But with growing global trade during that period and the popular idea of progress this became a popular venture to push the boundaries of the landscape. Editor: The medal seems to crystallize so many ideas, a mini-universe contained within its circular form. Curator: Indeed. Medals like this illuminate the historical connection between agricultural societies, individual ambition, and public reward within the region of Gelderland. Editor: It certainly prompts a deeper appreciation of the values they represented and the role objects play in encoding shared cultural aspirations.