Inhuldiging te Amsterdam van Willem Frederik, prins van Oranje als souverein vorst 1813 - 1814

Curator: Editor: So, we have before us a metal relief, created sometime between 1813 and 1815. It’s commemorating the inauguration in Amsterdam of Willem Frederik, Prince of Orange, as sovereign. The style seems neoclassical. There is such formality to this object; how do you read it? Curator: Well, beyond the formal attributes, I’m drawn to the context of its production. Look at the material: metal. Why metal? What connotations does that bring to this historical moment? Were other medals cast at this time using alternative material such as stone or textiles? Editor: Metal gives a sense of permanence, doesn’t it? Perhaps it was about solidifying this moment, literally. It projects such a strong authority. What can we infer from the techniques employed to create the design? Curator: Exactly! We need to think about who was involved in its production. Who were the metalworkers? Where did the metal come from, and what was its trade relationship with the city and its political climate at the time? Those details shape meaning as much as the images chosen. Editor: I never really considered that side of it. How the materials influence how the work functions! Curator: This wasn't just about the image, it was about asserting power through a system of labor, material extraction, and distribution. Its impact then shifts entirely doesn't it? What else have you learned about Dutch politics at the time that relates to trade, manufacture or similar processes? Editor: Definitely! This small metal circle connects to an expansive network, making it anything but static! Thank you. Curator: It redefines how we perceive something simple and historical. Always consider who profits!