Schutterij van Utrecht, penning die schutters recht gaf op een kan wijn 1661

Curator: This, ladies and gentlemen, is a schutterij from Utrecht, specifically a decorative-art penning dating back to 1661, which entitled its bearer to a flagon of wine. Editor: Whoa, I'm immediately seeing this like an ancient backstage pass—very utilitarian, very Dutch! I can almost taste the yeasty brew now. Curator: Indeed! Note the crisp engraving in the Baroque style. One side depicts the arms of Utrecht, flanked by what appears to be lion supporters, surmounted by a crown. Editor: Those lions look like they've had a pint or two themselves. They're certainly embodying a rather relaxed stoicism, in line with the whole beer-money concept here, haha! The relief on the coin adds such texture and makes me want to hold it. Curator: On the reverse, observe the arrangement of military accoutrements—cannons, perhaps a standard—above what might be interpretations of period barrels or helmets, topped by what appears to be a stylized representation of grapevines. Editor: Mmh, guns and grapes; so war and good times… it definitely feels more celebratory than overtly militaristic to me, though the guns could tell a darker story. Almost has a woodcut feel about it! Is that some damage to the rim there? Time adds a patina, I suppose. I bet these old coins held more secrets than clinking at the tavern. Curator: The degradation you observed are certainly visible, these elements, caused by the ravages of time, do highlight the ephemerality intrinsic to human achievement. It underlines how this piece can allow us to imagine life in a bygone time, though now only shadows of a society survives to inspire thoughts on materiality. Editor: True! But isn't it amazing? A little chunk of engraved metal, and suddenly, 17th-century Utrecht doesn't seem quite so far away! Like, people worried, celebrated, bought things – got tipsy, probably – using a tiny coin not unlike this. It humbles the entire experience. Curator: A very precise sentiment, indeed. I believe we have both gained additional insights and understanding on this small token of times. Editor: Right! It’s fascinating what stories even the tiniest artifacts can whisper.