Schuttersgezelschap van Amsterdam 1779

Editor: We're looking at a medal, "Schuttersgezelschap van Amsterdam," created in 1779 by Hendrik Meijer. It's fascinating – the crisp details somehow feel both antique and futuristic! There’s this sense of civic pride and… well, just a tiny bit of self-importance radiating from it. What story do you think this medal is trying to tell us? Curator: Ah, a medal! I love these glimpses into bygone self-images. Medals are like tiny time capsules, little boasts cast in metal. This one, celebrating an Amsterdam shooting company, really speaks to that era’s ideas about civic duty, defense, and, yes, a dash of self-importance. What I find interesting is the duality – one side showcasing a triumphant scene, almost classical in its arrangement. See how Liberty crowns a soldier, a shield nearby? The other features a bold eagle, clutching…are those crossed rifles? It’s like high ideals versus practical power, wouldn't you say? Editor: Definitely! That eagle really grabs your attention. But the classical side seems more staged. The eagle feels more… immediate. Was there tension between those ideals and reality back then? Curator: Oh, without a doubt! The Enlightenment ideals were swirling about, but so was the very real business of running a city, defending trade routes… these companies were social clubs as much as militias, so they represented a complex mix of civic virtue and personal ambition. See that inscription - 'Certos HVC Dirigit Ictvs', something like 'It directs sure shots' That's all business - which kind of business is it? Editor: I get that completely. I hadn’t thought about the social club aspect before. This gives it so much depth. Thank you for that insight! Curator: My pleasure. Next time you see a medal, try to hear its story beyond the shiny surface. History is full of whispers if we just listen carefully!