Isaac van Goudoever, kolonel van het Witte regiment van de schutterij op de Dam 1787

This small silver pendant depicts Isaac van Goudoever, a colonel in the civic guard, and was likely made in the Netherlands, though we don’t know by whom. The maker has skillfully shaped the metal to create a portrait in relief, set within a twisted frame. To create this, the silver would have been heated, then hammered and chased with specialized tools to achieve the subtle undulations of the colonel’s face, wig, and coat. The shiny surfaces catch the light, giving the image a crisp and lively quality. Silver, as a precious material, elevates this object beyond mere representation. Its inherent value speaks to the status of the sitter, while the small scale suggests it was made to be worn, perhaps as a sign of allegiance or remembrance. The meticulous craftsmanship and inherent value of the silver underscore the importance of both the sitter and the civic organization he represented. By considering the material, making, and social context, we can appreciate this pendant as more than just a portrait; it's a tangible link to a specific time, place, and social order.