Munten en penningen 1822 - 1863

Editor: Here we have "Munten en penningen," or "Coins and Medals," created by Jan Dam Steuerwald between 1822 and 1863. They're displayed as prints. I'm immediately struck by their arrangement. It feels like an organized collection, carefully laid out. What can you tell me about why Steuerwald made these prints? Curator: Well, this print offers us insight into the collecting practices of the time. Numismatics, the study of coins and medals, gained popularity amongst elite circles in the 19th century. Think of these prints less as purely aesthetic objects, and more as documentation – a way to catalog and circulate knowledge of rare or historically significant currency. Who held this knowledge, and for what purpose? These prints democratized the visual study of currency. Editor: So, you're saying this isn't necessarily about the beauty of the coins, but more about accessibility and sharing information? Curator: Precisely! Consider who could afford original coins versus who could afford a print. The images provided access to a wider audience, contributing to the growth of historical societies and intellectual exchange beyond the aristocracy. The very act of creating this organized display emphasizes the power of visual communication in shaping public knowledge and historical narrative. Can you see the role played by the Rijksmuseum to legitimize this knowledge? Editor: That makes so much sense! So, by creating these prints, Steuerwald was participating in a bigger movement of making historical artifacts available to a broader audience. It's fascinating to think about art functioning as a tool for education and social change. Thanks! Curator: And think how our discussion now reflects on issues around museum representation today! A fruitful discussion indeed.