C. van Steenwijk vijfentwintig jaar directeur bij het Purperhoedenveem te Amsterdam 1920 1920

This bronze medal was made by D. Scholtus in 1920 to commemorate C. van Steenwijk's 25 years as director. It's incredible to think about how an image, or in this case a commemorative token, comes into being through a physical process. Run your finger over it if you can. Notice how the artist has worked the surface. See the lettering? It’s all slightly raised, a testament to the hand that carefully carved each detail. It's interesting to see the level of detail he goes to in creating a sense of depth and volume, especially in the architectural elements on the front. The linear perspective of the staircase is really impressive. This medal has a strange affinity with the work of someone like Giorgio Morandi who also worked with a muted palette of earthy colors and was interested in the subtle interplay of form and light. Like Morandi’s paintings, this medal invites contemplation, encouraging us to slow down and consider the beauty inherent in simple forms and honest materials. It’s not just a functional object; it’s a piece of art that speaks to the enduring power of human creativity.