William IV Charles Henry Friso, 1711-1751, Stadholder of United Netherlands [obverse] 1751

This silver medal, depicting William IV, Stadholder of the United Netherlands, was made by Johann Georg Holtzhey in the mid-18th century. Holtzhey's expertise as a medalist highlights the significance of minting and metalwork as a means of recording and disseminating political power. The medal's smooth, cool surface and precise detailing result from die-striking, a process involving hammering metal between engraved dies. Consider the labor involved in the production of this object. Each medal would have taken time and expertise to produce. This medal exemplifies the intersection of art, craft, and social context. It's not merely a portrait, but a crafted object produced within a specific economic and political system, designed to circulate and communicate power. By understanding the material and processes involved, we can appreciate how this medal transcends traditional art historical categories.