Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1787

This small silver pendant depicts Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester of Amsterdam. Its anonymous maker has sculpted the burgemeester's likeness in relief, set against a polished oval backdrop, framed by twisted silver cord. The pendant’s composition is structured by contrasts: the textured, three-dimensional portrait against the smooth, flat background, creating a striking visual and tactile experience. The material itself, silver, functions semiotically, symbolizing wealth and status, reflecting Hooft's prominent position in society. The pendant’s small scale invites intimate viewing, yet it encapsulates themes of power, representation, and memory. The very act of immortalizing someone in metal speaks to the desire to fix identity, to resist the flux of time. However, the artist's anonymity introduces a layer of ambiguity, challenging the notion of authorship and highlighting the complex relationships between power, representation, and artistic expression.