Eerbetoon aan de Franse vice-admiraal De Suffren door de VOC 1784

This silver medal was made by Johann Heinrich Schepp to honour the French Vice-Admiral De Suffren. It was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company, probably shortly after 1784. This piece of art is a fascinating object that speaks to the complex political and economic relationships of the 18th century. At this time the Dutch East India Company was at the height of its power, controlling vast swathes of territory and trade routes in Asia. France was an important ally of the Dutch Republic in its ongoing struggle against British expansion. De Suffren, as a naval commander, played a key role in protecting French interests in the Indian Ocean and defending Dutch colonies against British attacks. This medal represents a token of gratitude for the protection of Dutch interests, but the commissioning of commemorative art also served as a way for the VOC to publicly align itself with French power. Historians use resources like company records, diplomatic correspondence, and contemporary news reports to understand the full significance of such objects. These sources can tell us a great deal about the shifting alliances and power dynamics of the period.