Verzet van Harlingen, Stavoren en Workum tegen een gewijzigde verkiezingsprocedure 1783 1783

This silver medal was crafted in 1783 by Johann Heinrich Schepp. Notice how the circular form immediately draws your eye around its circumference, leading you to explore the details within. On one side, a profile portrait is framed by an inscription, while the other features heraldic shields beneath a stylized tree, encircled by text. The composition cleverly balances symbolic imagery with textual elements, creating a harmonious visual experience. The embossed design, rendered in a cool monochrome, gives the medal a tactile quality; you can almost feel the depth of the relief under your fingertips. The medal functions semiotically, using symbols to communicate complex ideas. The heraldry represents civic identity, while the tree might symbolize growth or resilience. The text, acting as a linguistic sign, anchors these symbols to a specific historical context. Consider how the artist uses the limitations of the medium to create a powerful statement. It reminds us that even small objects can carry significant cultural and political weight.