Vijfentwintigjarig huwelijk van Pieter Albert van der Parra (1714-1775) en Adriana Johanna Bake, 1768 1768

Editor: So this intriguing metalwork is a medal commemorating the 25th wedding anniversary of Pieter Albert van der Parra and Adriana Johanna Bake, created in 1768. The Baroque style makes me think of power and status, but what do you see when you look at it? Curator: As a historian, I'm interested in how commemorative objects like this reinforced social hierarchies. This medal, likely commissioned by the couple or their circle, wasn't just a personal memento; it publicly asserted their standing. Notice the classical imagery: the burning altar suggesting devotion, and the column draped with foliage symbolizing growth and stability. These weren't randomly chosen motifs. Editor: Right, it feels like it's projecting an image. Does the location of its display, like here at the Rijksmuseum, add another layer? Curator: Absolutely. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition and display of this medal transforms a personal artifact into a historical document. We're not just admiring craftsmanship; we're analyzing how wealth and lineage were curated and communicated in the 18th century. Editor: It's amazing how much information can be embedded in such a small object. So, by examining it within the context of museum collections and the era's social norms, we uncover so much about power and representation. Curator: Precisely. The medal becomes a lens through which we view the complex interplay between individual lives, artistic expression, and societal values. Now, consider how the museum’s presentation might subtly shape our contemporary understanding… Editor: That is so cool, thinking about the act of collecting and display also influences how we see the object now. Thanks for shining a light on it!