Medal Given by Isaac Pontanus to his Grandson on his Eighth Birthday by Anonymous

Medal Given by Isaac Pontanus to his Grandson on his Eighth Birthday 1688

metal, engraving

portrait

baroque

metal

decorative-art

engraving

This 17th-century gold medal, created by an anonymous artist, was given by Isaac Pontanus to his grandson on his 8th birthday. The medal, housed in the Rijksmuseum, features a coat of arms surrounded by a variety of symbols including a globe, tools, a violin, and a musical score. A Latin inscription on the medal wishes the young boy a life of virtue, piety, and good fortune. The design and inscription reflect the importance of education and morality during the 17th century. This piece is a fascinating example of personal commemoration in art.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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In the past, important events were graced with a medal, especially in well-to-do families. The occasion for this was usually a birth, wedding, or death. These medals not only remained in the family as a memento, but were also given to the guests at the baptism, wedding party, or funeral. Sometimes they were purely private in character, such as the gold medal a grandfather gave to his grandson.