Maurits, graaf van Nassau, ingehuldigd als graaf van Moers 1601

This silver medal at the Rijksmuseum commemorates Maurits being inaugurated as Count of Moers. Note how the anonymous artist has expertly utilized relief to convey depth and detail on such a small scale. The medal's circular form constrains and focuses our attention on the central figures and inscriptions. On one side, Maurits is depicted in armor, holding a sword, surrounded by text that curves to match the edge, reinforcing the circle. The opposite side features an elaborate coat of arms, similarly framed by text. The artist has created a symmetrical composition around a central vertical axis, conveying stability and order. The choice of silver as a medium is significant. Its subtle luster catches the light, enhancing the tactile quality of the raised surfaces. The material itself symbolizes value and permanence, appropriate for a medal celebrating an important historical event and the power associated with this transition. The medal's design is not merely decorative; it's a carefully constructed symbolic object that communicates ideas about power, authority, and historical legacy.