Vijftigjarige viering van kozakjesdag: herdenking van het binnentrekken van de kozakken te Utrecht, penning geslagen door de Rijksmunt 1863

Editor: This bronze relief, titled "Vijftigjarige viering van kozakjesdag: herdenking van het binnentrekken van de kozakken te Utrecht," was created anonymously in 1863. I'm immediately struck by its texture and the contrast between the smooth, flat surface and the raised, almost sculptural details. What can you tell me about this commemorative piece? Curator: From a materialist perspective, this piece prompts several questions about its creation and consumption. Bronze, a durable and relatively inexpensive metal, was likely chosen for mass production. Considering this was produced by the Rijksmunt (the Dutch Mint), understanding the socio-economic context surrounding its commission is crucial. Were these medals widely circulated among the populace or reserved for specific elites? How does this mass production speak to a developing sense of national identity? Editor: That’s a fascinating point about the economics. I hadn't considered the social implications of mass production for commemorative items like this. The date also places this just before some key changes within Europe and, indeed, within the Netherlands. It does make you think about who it was made for, and by whom. Was the labour division related to this item one that required great skill, or could it have been done by lesser-skilled factory workers? Curator: Exactly. Further research into the minting process of the 1860s would be illuminating. The materiality of the medal is inherently linked to its message. The bronze, although lasting, is humble, when compared with gold, or even silver, but can reach more citizens, but does this cheapen the message that it hopes to send about military strength and power? Editor: I guess it all feeds into the socio-economic structure. And seeing an item such as this pushes you to research this connection between materials, process and that social background. Thanks, that was really interesting! Curator: Likewise. Thinking about the metal and method offers interesting perspective on art history.