Willem I Frederik, koning der Nederlanden 1817

This bronze medal, portraying Willem I Frederik, King of the Netherlands, was created by Joseph-Pierre Braemt. The medal's visual and tactile qualities are deeply intertwined with its production. Metal casting, an ancient process, involves creating a mold, pouring molten metal into it, and allowing it to cool and solidify. The crisp details of Willem's profile were first painstakingly sculpted, before being translated into a negative mold. It's worth noting that the bronze alloy itself has a cultural significance, often associated with commemorative and symbolic objects. The artistry here lies not just in the design, but in the mastery of metallurgy. The medal is an object of both artistry and industry, reflecting broader social and economic currents. It challenges us to see the value not only in the final product but also in the skills and labor required to make it.