Reckheimse dubbele mijt van Willem II van Sombreffe (1400-1475) 1400 - 1475

Editor: We're looking at a bronze relief piece titled "Reckheimse dubbele mijt van Willem II van Sombreffe," dating roughly from 1400 to 1475. It's a coin depicting Willem II, lord of Reckheim. It’s… strangely compelling despite being so small and worn. What's your take on this, knowing the historical context? Curator: Well, consider this coin not just as currency, but as a form of propaganda. Think about its role in shaping Willem II’s image and legitimacy. Who would have seen this coin? How does its design contribute to or challenge the prevailing social order? The imagery, even on this small scale, participates in a larger political discourse. Editor: Propaganda even back then! I hadn't really thought of it that way. I guess even small change can make a statement, or try to anyway. Is that why his title is there? To hammer home that he's the lord of this place? Curator: Precisely. The coin also presents him a figure sanctioned through a medieval lens and social context; What kind of social responsibilities he would had had in his function as 'heer van Reckheim'? Also to reflect what kind of power he yields within its sphere of influence. It is also important to study if any changes occured when compared with the previous coins used back then to portray lords to know what change/improvement to project! Editor: It’s fascinating to think of a simple coin carrying so much weight. Now that I have considered its social context, it is a tiny work of art! Curator: Exactly! It reminds us that even the most seemingly mundane objects are embedded within intricate networks of power, belief, and representation. It invites questions and a more thorough analyses of its production. Editor: So true. I’ll definitely look at coins—and all art—differently now, with a sharper eye on their historical context and potential messages.