Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruyter 1667

This is a small, anonymous, undated lead medal depicting Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruyter, a prominent figure in Dutch naval history. The monochromatic use of lead lends a somber and weighty feel to the object. The relief is dominated by the oval shape, within which the bust of de Ruyter emerges. The use of lead as a medium is particularly interesting; its malleability allows for a detailed rendering of de Ruyter's features and attire, while its inherent heaviness perhaps symbolizes the burden of leadership and the weight of historical significance. The medal can be interpreted as a symbol of power, commemoration, and collective memory, using the visual language of portraiture to convey its message. The choice of lead, a material often associated with durability and permanence, suggests an intention to immortalize de Ruyter. As such, the medal raises questions about how societies choose to represent and remember their heroes.