Strooippenning op de inhuldiging van stadhouder Willem IV als markgraaf van Veere op 1 juni 1751 1751

This commemorative medal celebrating William IV's inauguration as Margrave of Veere in 1751 was crafted by Caspar Jacobsz. Philips. It embodies the political theater of the Dutch Republic. The medal presents William IV as a modern-day Ulysses, referencing the epic journey home to Ithaca. This analogy isn't accidental. In a society deeply rooted in classical education, the comparison was a calculated attempt to associate William IV with the virtues of heroism, resilience, and rightful return. The choice of Ulysses, the King of Ithaca, to depict William is very interesting. In doing so, the city of Veere attempts to legitimize the Stadtholder's power by alluding to Ancient Greek power structures. To fully grasp the medal’s meaning, historians delve into period documents, political treatises, and even the classical education curriculum of the time. These resources help uncover the layers of meaning embedded in the artwork, revealing its complex dialogue with the political and cultural landscape of the 18th-century Dutch Republic.