Gelderse dukaat, 1598 1598

This is a Gelderse Dukaat, made of gold in 1598 by the Province of Gelderland. Immediately, the eye is drawn to its circular form, a shape that suggests completeness and continuity, reinforced by the raised beaded edge which frames the composition. The embossed design features a standing figure, likely a symbolic representation of power or prosperity, flanked by the year of its creation, 1598. The figure and text are rendered in high relief, causing strong shadows and highlights that accentuate the texture and materiality of the gold. This interplay of light and shadow gives the coin a tactile quality, inviting touch and close inspection. Considered semiotically, the coin functions as a sign, its visual elements acting as signifiers. The golden material speaks of value and wealth, while the figure and inscription denote authority and historical context. Ultimately, this Gelderse Dukaat is not merely a piece of currency but a carefully designed object that embodies the power and prestige of its time, inviting ongoing interpretation within the historical and cultural landscape.