Willem IV te Amsterdam ingehaald 1748

This silver medal depicting Willem IV was created by Martin Holtzhey. Holtzhey lived in a time when the Dutch Republic was navigating complex political waters, with the House of Orange seeking to solidify its power. This medal commemorates Willem IV's arrival in Amsterdam, likely celebrating or solidifying his status. Willem IV's image on the medal reflects the era's conventions of power and masculinity – note the strong profile, armor, and wig – symbols which conveyed authority and status. The medal would have been circulated among elites, reinforcing his image. But let's consider the other side of the coin, if you will. What did this arrival mean for ordinary Amsterdammers? How did the display of power affect the working classes, women, or marginalized communities? Medals like these serve as potent reminders that history is often told from the perspective of those in power, obscuring the experiences of many. They encourage us to question whose stories are being told, and whose are being left out.