Onthulling van het standbeeld van Michiel de Ruyter te Vlissingen 1841 1840

David van der Kellen made this bronze medal in 1841 to commemorate the unveiling of the Michiel de Ruyter statue in Vlissingen. The medal's material, bronze, is a durable and timeless alloy, lending an air of permanence to the commemorative object. Its creation involved skilled metalworking processes such as casting and engraving. Molten bronze would have been poured into a mold to create the medal's basic shape, and tools would be used to carve the details of the statue and inscriptions. The process embodies the artistry and labor involved in its production. The choice of bronze also holds cultural significance, evoking historical associations with classical sculpture and monuments. By utilizing this material, the artist elevated the status of the event and honored the legacy of Michiel de Ruyter. This medal reminds us that everyday materials can be used to create culturally significant objects that commemorate historical events and honor important figures.