Inhuldiging van Willem IV als markies van Vlissingen en Veere 1751

This silver medal was created by Johan George Holtzhey to commemorate Willem IV's inauguration as Marquis of Vlissingen and Veere. The medal reflects the political landscape of the Dutch Republic in the 18th century, a time marked by the rise of the House of Orange and its complex relationship with the merchant class. The medal features a portrait of Willem IV, surrounded by inscriptions denoting his titles. On the reverse, allegorical figures represent Vlissingen and Veere presenting their arms to Willem IV, beneath the Latin inscription "SIC FAS EST," or "Thus it is right". The choice of Latin and the classical style reflect the cultural values of the Dutch elite, who sought to emulate the grandeur of ancient Rome and the cultural authority that came with it. To fully understand the medal, one would need to delve into archives from the House of Orange, guild records, and municipal collections. This illuminates not just the artistry, but the social and institutional context in which it was created and circulated. The medal helps us understand how art reinforces social norms.