Vijfentwintigjarig huwelijk van Jacob Jacobsz. Ploos van Amstel en Sara Rothe 1746 1746

This silver medal was created by Martin Holtzhey in 1746 to commemorate the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Jacob Jacobsz. Ploos van Amstel and Sara Rothe. In the 18th century Dutch Republic, marriage was not only a union of individuals but a consolidation of family wealth and social status. Here, we see Jacob and Sara joining hands over an altar, bathed in divine light, symbolizing God's blessing on their union. To the side, we can see the books, reflecting the intellectual and social circles they inhabited, reinforcing their identity as part of the Dutch elite. On the reverse, a seated figure represents time, noting the years passed in partnership. This medal isn't just a celebration of a personal milestone; it reflects the values of a society deeply invested in family, commerce, and the continuation of established social orders. It serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which personal narratives intersect with broader historical forces.