Penning voor de burgers van compagnie 'T Fortuin bij de intocht van stadhouder Willem V in Utrecht 1766 1766

Hendrik Meijer made this medal to commemorate Willem V's arrival in Utrecht in 1766, likely using a die-striking method on a metal like silver. The medal’s creation begins with design and engraving on steel dies. These dies, essentially stamps, would have then been used to impress the image onto heated metal blanks. The resulting piece captures fine details, from the classical figures on one side to the inscription on the other. This process, demanding precision and force, reflects both artistic skill and industrial capability. The medal itself embodies social and political themes. It was presented to citizens by officers of a local company, serving as a token of allegiance. It also speaks to the emerging power of the merchant class. Understanding this medal means looking beyond its aesthetic value, and considering the means of its production, social context, and its inherent ties to craft and civic life.