Hulde van de Curatoren aan de uitgetrokken Utrechtse studenten 1831 1831

This bronze medal, "Homage of the Curators to the Expatriated Utrecht Students 1831", was created by Johannes Petrus Schouberg. The Utrecht medal features intricate details achieved through die-striking, a process of hammering metal between two engraved surfaces. The material is crucial here. Bronze, a durable alloy of copper and tin, lends itself to mass production, making it suitable for commemorative pieces like this one. But the act of striking the medal also required precision and skill, combining industrial efficiency with artisanal labor. The medal is a form of currency, in this case it functions as a token of recognition, produced and distributed by the governing body of the University. Consider the inscription around the edge, which translates to "Illustrious Sun of Justice." The choice of language, Latin, speaks to the elite social status of those students being honored. This medal reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be dense with meaning, reflecting social hierarchies and cultural values, and challenging the boundary between art, craft, and social documentation.