Medal for Lourens Veijselaar, survivor of the disaster with the Gouden Buys 1695

This medal for Lourens Veijselaar, made by an anonymous artist, is crafted from silver. The material itself, precious and reflective, speaks to the value placed on Veijselaar's survival of the Gouden Buys disaster. The medal's surface is meticulously engraved, depicting the ship, the rescue, and commemorative text. These details weren't simply drawn; they were etched into the metal through a labor-intensive process, demanding specialized tools, training, and studio space. The process involves coating the metal with wax, drawing the design through the wax, and then etching the exposed metal with acid. This level of detail conveys the social significance of survival and the importance of maritime trade to the medal's patron. This medal reminds us that objects, particularly those made with skill and care, carry stories of the people who made them, and the wider social context in which they were produced. It challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry and significance embedded in everyday objects.