Schutterij van Monnikendam 1654

This silver medal, known as Schutterij van Monnikendam, was created by the Monogrammist IS. The medal illustrates the social and political context of the Dutch Republic. It depicts armed citizens, members of a civic guard, who volunteered to defend their city. In the 17th century, these ‘schutterijen’ were not merely military but also social organizations representing local identity and civic pride. The imagery of armed citizens conveys the importance of civic militias in the Republic's defense and social order. These medals often acted as symbols of status and belonging within the community. We can consider how these medals reinforced social structures and hierarchies through their design and distribution. To fully understand this medal, art historians consult archival records, guild documents, and period literature. The meaning of this object is contingent on understanding its historical and institutional context.