Overlijden van J. Schroetering, burgemeester van Hamburg 1676

This silver medal commemorates the death of J. Schroetering, mayor of Hamburg. While the artist remains anonymous, the piece invites us to consider broader social structures of the time. On one side, we see a tree, signifying life, juxtaposed with a dove and axe, perhaps symbolizing peace cut short. The reverse shows a candle gradually consumed, surrounded by text which translates to 'Consumed in the service of all'. Schroetering’s identity as mayor connects this personal memento to the wider civic realm. It’s a public declaration of service and sacrifice. These visual and textual elements subtly navigate the intersection of personal loss and public duty. What does it mean to serve a city? What is lost when a public figure dies? This medal prompts us to reflect on the individual within a system.