Broche 'Vrije volken sterven niet' c. 1944 - 1945

This circular brooch, made by Firma W. Visser, has a diameter of just under 6 cm and is made from a silvery material. The overall impression is one of intricate detail and layered symbolism. I imagine the artist meticulously carving and shaping the metal, each cut and curve carrying a weight of intention. It's easy to see how the radiant arrangement of flags and text might have been about national pride. The metal has a certain coolness, but also a tactile warmth that invites closer inspection. I keep thinking about the artist’s hands, steady and focused, bringing forth this small declaration. It reminds me of other pieces that use accessible means, in this instance a piece of jewelry, to express a message. Ultimately, art, in whatever form, is a conversation that spans generations. Even in its stillness, it speaks to us, challenging us to engage with the ideas and emotions embedded within.