Nieuwjaarspenning 1751 1751

This is a gold New Year medal made in 1751 by Johan George Holtzhey in the Netherlands. Holtzhey was a prolific die cutter who produced coins and medals for private clients as well as Dutch civic institutions. Medals such as this one can offer insights into Dutch political and social life during the 18th century. On one side, we see a female figure seated under a sunflower holding an olive branch, this symbolizes peace and prosperity. The opposite side depicts Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and communication, who may reflect the importance of trade to the Dutch economy. The medal can be viewed as a symbolic representation of the values and aspirations of the Dutch Republic. It suggests a society that values peace, prosperity, and trade, and that sees itself as a major player in the European economy. These objects help us explore how institutions impact the production and reception of art, but they also invite questions about art's role in shaping social norms. By studying these artifacts and consulting historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and political context in which they were created, as well as the values and beliefs of the people who made and used them.