Vijfentwintigjarig huwelijk van Jan Anthony Smits van Nieuwerkerk, lid van de Staten van Zuid-Holland en Jacoba Petronella Dorothea Bouvy te Dordrecht 1871

Editor: This is a commemorative medal made in 1871 by Jacob Samuel Cohen Elion, currently held at the Rijksmuseum, celebrating the 25th wedding anniversary of Jan Anthony Smits van Nieuwerkerk and Jacoba Petronella Dorothea Bouvy. It seems to be crafted from some kind of metal. The sheer detail crammed onto such a small surface is incredible. What can you tell me about this? Curator: Well, let’s consider what this object *is*. It’s not merely a representation, but a material artifact deeply embedded in the social fabric. The medal is both a marker of an elite marriage and a testament to the engraver's labor. What was the function of these commemorative medals during this time? What level of skill and time did it require to make, and how did that reflect on its perceived value? Editor: I suppose that the cost of the material – the metal – combined with the intricate engraving would have made it a luxury item, wouldn't it? Implying the commissioner had considerable wealth? Curator: Precisely. This wasn't just a decorative object. Think about the social performance it enacts. It's a public declaration, pressed into metal, signifying status and reinforcing societal hierarchies. Consider also the relationship between Cohen Elion and his patrons. Editor: That's a great point. So the medal becomes more than just an object; it embodies a complex relationship between the commissioner, the artist, and their social context. It shifts how I see these kinds of objects. Curator: Indeed. By investigating the medal's production and function, we unearth the often-hidden dynamics of class, labor, and power that shape seemingly simple objects. Editor: It really changes your perspective when you start thinking about all the labor and material that went into making this medal. Thanks, I appreciate your insights! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully it gave you a better appreciation of the cultural context of artwork!