Hulde Engelandvaarders aan Wilhelmina 1948

This medallion by J.Ph. van Zegveld probably dates from the 1940s, its material gives it a kind of earthy monotone. The forms have been carved into the surface to produce a low relief, and the relationship between the forms themselves and the flat areas around them create a certain push and pull. The texture of this piece is interesting; the flat areas reflecting the light, while the cut-in forms create shadows, giving depth and definition. See the waves near the bottom of the piece on the right? They add a sense of movement, contrasting with the more rigid architectural details on the left. The text, meticulously inscribed, becomes part of the overall composition, adding another layer to the piece. It reminds me of some of the work of Paul Klee; he, too, managed to evoke a whole world of feeling with just a few simple lines and shapes. This medallion invites us to look closer, to feel the history and the artistry embedded in its form.