Overwinningen op de Zweden, ter ere van admiraal Niels Juel 1677

This medal, commemorating victories over the Swedes in honor of Admiral Niels Juel, was made by an anonymous artist, and its date is unknown. The medal is made of pewter, a metal known for its malleability and low melting point, which allowed for the fine details you see here. Pewter was often used for commemorative objects like this because it was more affordable than silver or gold, yet still had a certain luster. The process of creating this medal likely involved casting the pewter in a mold, followed by chasing and engraving to refine the details. Notice how the material influences the appearance of the medal. The soft, gray tone of the pewter gives it a somber quality, appropriate for a military commemoration. The choice of pewter also reflects the social context of the time. While not as valuable as precious metals, pewter still conveyed a sense of civic pride and accomplishment. Considering the material, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of this medal.