Zeeuwse roosschelling, 1603 1603

Editor: So, here we have a Zeeuwse roosschelling from 1603, made of metal. Looking at it, I’m struck by how worn it is, a tangible representation of history and exchange. What stories do you see embedded in this coin? Curator: I see a potent symbol of identity and power struggles. This isn't just money; it's a declaration of Zeeland's sovereignty in a tumultuous time. The coat of arms speaks to the province's relationship with the sea, but we must also consider what it means to stake claim through currency. Whose stories are being told and whose are being suppressed? Editor: That’s fascinating. The act of claiming territory via currency… It's such a bold statement. But how did ordinary people perceive it back then? Curator: The coin, circulated widely, reinforced the visual and symbolic power of the ruling class. It's interesting to consider its circulation alongside differing social strata of 17th-century Zeeland: the merchants, the laborers, and those excluded from such prosperity. What narratives are present or absent? Who really benefited, and what were the conditions for others? Editor: So, looking at the coin this way is less about monetary value and more about the dynamics of the early 17th century society. That's a huge perspective shift for me. Curator: Exactly! And it's vital to think about how such iconography impacts both those empowered and disenfranchised by the visual culture circulating. Can this object reveal the deep power structures embedded within daily life back then and possibly today? Editor: I never would have considered looking at a coin through such a politically and socially conscious lens. Curator: Well, every artwork is enmeshed within complicated intersections of history and meaning! That's what makes them worth studying closely. Editor: It really changes my perception; I’ll be looking at everything with different eyes now! Thanks!