Gedenkpenningen voor de zeeslag bij Cadiz en voor Willem Crul 1781

These commemorative medals honoring the naval battle of Cadiz and Willem Crul were created by Noach van der Meer II. In the late 18th century, the Dutch Republic was in decline, struggling to maintain its status in the face of growing British power. This print embodies the political and social tensions of the time. The medals celebrate naval victories and honor individuals, like Willem Crul, who were seen as symbols of Dutch strength and resilience. These medals, memorializing military and personal victories, reveal a society grappling with its identity and place in the world. The inscriptions beneath each medal serve as proclamations of pride and defiance, underscoring the emotional investment the Dutch had in maintaining their national pride. It speaks to a longing for past glories and the desire to reignite a sense of national identity in a changing world.