Maurits, graaf van Nassau, breekt het beleg van 's-Hertogenbosch af, rekenpenning ter ere van Albrecht en Isabella van Oostenrijk 1603

Editor: We’re looking at a bronze medal made in 1603 by an unknown artist. It's titled, “Maurits, graaf van Nassau, breekt het beleg van 's-Hertogenbosch af, rekenpenning ter ere van Albrecht en Isabella van Oostenrijk.” It’s really hard to see what's going on. The relief is quite worn. What do you see in this little window into the past? Curator: It's funny you call it a window, because I see it as more of a pebble— something that has been tumbled by the currents of history until all the sharp edges are worn smooth, just like the faces of those historical figures. This piece seems less about celebrating victory and more about remembering a moment, a shift in power, perhaps. Editor: A shift in power? How so? I mainly see those faded shields. Curator: Exactly! Think about those shields. Each one meticulously crafted with its own unique heraldry. To me, that symbolizes the various factions and families involved in this siege. Even in its worn state, it whispers about the complex political tapestry of the time. Don’t you think it is ironic that such an object made in bronze intended to immortalize this moment in fact makes one aware of its decay with time? What do you feel about it? Editor: You are so right. I think I get so caught up in looking for grand artistic statements I miss the more human moments frozen in everyday objects. It shows how political power shifts and history decays, turning grand narratives into…pebbles, as you said. Thank you for the…re-framing. Curator: I’m still learning to listen. Maybe it's also saying, "Even grand narratives turn to dust, so appreciate the whisper while it lasts." Food for thought, I suppose.