Willem V, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1785 - 1795

This small silver pendant portrays Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau, and was likely made to be worn or carried as a token of political affiliation. The materiality of the silver is key here; it’s a precious metal, associated with wealth and status. The process by which this was made would have begun with the making of a mold. Molten silver was then cast into the mold, allowed to cool, and then released. The image of Willem V would then have been chased and engraved to create a portrait in relief. Considered this way, the pendant speaks volumes about the Dutch Republic’s social and political landscape. While seemingly a piece of decorative ornamentation, it encapsulates complex issues of power, allegiance, and the burgeoning culture of political merchandise. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest objects can carry profound historical weight.