Verbond der Verenigde Nederlanden met Venetië 1620

This silver medal, made by Willem van Bylaer, commemorates the alliance between the Dutch Republic and Venice. It is a product of careful handwork, from the smelting of the metal to the die-striking of the images. Consider the material, silver. It’s valuable, but also malleable enough to take a crisp impression. The images on each side would have begun as a design, then transferred to a steel die. The die would then be hammered against a blank of silver, imprinting the design. The resulting medal has a satisfying weight and a gleaming surface. The relative softness of the material means that it also wears down over time, acquiring a patina that speaks to its history. This kind of object speaks volumes about early modern Europe. These medals are examples of sophisticated graphic design being applied to the business of statecraft, trade, and alliance-building. They are like a tangible form of propaganda. So, next time you see a coin or medal, remember that it’s more than just money. It’s a little piece of history, carefully made and full of meaning.