Petrus Hartzing 1675

This brass medal, likely from the Netherlands, commemorates Petrus Hartzing in 1675. These small objects were often commissioned by private citizens to celebrate personal milestones or to circulate political messages, evading the strict control of official institutions. One side depicts a sun radiating over the earth, an image with roots in classical and Christian symbolism. This iconography presents Hartzing as a source of enlightenment, like a patron or benefactor. On the reverse, an oval frame encloses a seascape beneath a crescent moon, surrounded by a laurel wreath, which is a classical symbol of victory and honor. The combination of these images suggests Hartzing had achieved a notable success, perhaps in overseas trade or naval affairs, that had brought prestige to his family. The historian’s role is to unpack these symbols, tracing their origins and understanding how they might have resonated with a 17th-century audience. Researching Dutch maritime history and the iconography of the period helps us to contextualize this commemorative medal within the social and economic currents of its time.