Tweede eeuwfeest van de Reformatie, gevierd te Weimar 1717

This silver medal was struck anonymously in 1717 to commemorate the second centenary of the Reformation in Weimar. One side presents an open book on a draped table, presumably the Bible, illuminated by divine light. This light radiates outwards, suggesting the enlightening power of religious reform. The scene is populated with cherubic figures. Inscriptions in Latin and German emphasize themes of access to God's word. The other side of the medal bears an inscription in Latin, commemorating the anniversary. The Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, dramatically reshaped the religious and political landscape of Europe. Commemorative medals like these were produced to celebrate and reinforce the cultural and theological impact of the Reformation. They served as objects of memory, aligning their owners with the values and history of the Reformation. Historians consult archives, religious texts, and material culture to unpack the complex meanings embedded within such objects. These medals underscore how art can function within specific social, political, and religious contexts.