Opening van het Noordzeekanaal, ter ere van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden, penning geslagen op last van de Amsterdamsche Kanaal Maatschappij 1876

Curator: This beautiful piece is a commemorative medal created in 1876 by Edouard Louis Geerts. It marks the opening of the Noordzeekanaal, or North Sea Canal, and it was commissioned by the Amsterdam Canal Company. Editor: The immediate feeling I get is... solid achievement. A grounded and resolute undertaking. It's interesting that such a grand, public work is celebrated with something so intimate, almost like a pocket-sized ego boost. Curator: Precisely! It's a pocket-sized ego boost for the whole nation, I would argue! Medals like these acted as important markers of national progress and identity in the 19th century. You have the effigy of Willem III, King of the Netherlands, which evokes classical ruler portraits. Editor: That’s right. There's something intrinsically linked between powerful rulers and important landmarks that are named after them or were accomplished during their time. Think about how powerful symbols like bridges or canals can become imbued with a ruler's image and values. Is that true to some extent in this example, I wonder? Curator: Absolutely. Look at how the inscription on the reverse declares “Opening van het Noordzeekanaal, 1 November 1876,” essentially tying that date and that accomplishment to the King’s reign, boosting his cultural and historical presence for eternity, perhaps? It speaks of power, ingenuity, a certain will, don't you think? It makes me dream about progress, and overcoming obstacles, and maybe that's the romantic in me speaking! Editor: Yes, but I’m not that sure such projects fully match their dreams. Large-scale projects always involve real human labor and economic sacrifice, and so for every dream they fulfill, some hopes are also paved over, would you say? However, this coin makes me reconsider: It's a perfect illustration of how symbols condense collective dreams into forms we can carry around, tangible pieces of shared history. Curator: Very true, every piece hides more complex layers. Thinking of what's literally beneath it, what has allowed this metal, print artwork piece to survive until our days…it's food for thought. Editor: Well said! We carry our little metal token today, reflecting on the symbolism and stories it embodies. It is a powerful visual reminder of collective dreams, indeed.