Instituut van Kinsbergen te Elburg 1806

This silver medal with a woven ribbon was made by an anonymous artist, commemorating the Instituut van Kinsbergen te Elburg. Consider the materials: silver, carefully die-struck, and ribbon, woven on a loom. These materials speak to the industrial modes of production available to this unknown maker. Notice the texture and weight of the medal, giving it a feeling of substance. It’s important to remember that even small objects like this reflect larger social issues. Look at the level of detail on the silver medal, and think about the hand skills of the person who engraved the die. Medals like this one depend on a close collaboration between design, specialized labor, and industrial manufacture. In appreciating this medal, we recognize the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of this artwork, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.