Dood van Johannes Coccejus, hoogleraar te Leiden 1669

This is a silver medal, commemorating the death of Johannes Coccejus, a professor in Leiden, made by Jan Smeltzing in 1669. Silver, as a precious metal, was carefully worked, its malleability allowing for intricate designs to be pressed and engraved. Consider the method used to produce this medal. The detailed portrait and lettering would have required skilled hands and specialized tools, evidencing the engraver's expertise. The medal's smooth, reflective surface enhances the precision of the engraving, allowing light to play across the portrait and script. It's a relatively small object, but this intimacy invites close inspection, emphasizing the importance of Coccejus's legacy. These medals circulated as keepsakes and mementos, thus connecting craftsmanship with the social need to commemorate important figures. Understanding the material and the means of production provides valuable insight into the cultural values of the time.