Aanvang van het jaar 1749 en vrede te Aken 1748 - 1749

This small silver medal was made by Martin Holtzhey in 1749 to commemorate the beginning of the year and the peace at Aachen. The fine detail achieved on such a small scale speaks to the artistry involved in the die-striking process. The metal would have been carefully heated and pressed to fill the engraved design. These medals were made in multiples, subtly aligning art with industrial production. But it is important to remember that the labor involved was highly skilled. The medal presents idealized figures of peace and prosperity, though these are far removed from the lives of the workers who would have produced it. The very material of the coin—precious silver—speaks to the complex relationship between economics, politics, and art. It is a reminder that even small-scale objects can embody larger social dynamics. By considering the labor and materials involved, we can expand our understanding and appreciation of the work.