Overlijden van Willem IV 1751

This silver medal, made by Nicolaas van Swinderen, commemorates the death of Willem IV. Its imagery and symbolism reflect the social and political context of the Dutch Republic in the mid-18th century. On one side, we see a portrait of Willem IV, adorned with elaborate clothing, signifying his status as stadtholder. The other side depicts a burning altar, symbolizing death, with a female figure, possibly representing the Dutch Republic, standing beside it. The rising sun in the background may symbolize hope for the future. The medal was created during a time of political transition and social unrest in the Dutch Republic. Willem IV's rule saw increasing centralization of power, which was contested by various factions. Medals like these were often commissioned by political organizations to shape public opinion and commemorate important events. By studying archival documents, pamphlets, and other visual materials, we can gain a deeper understanding of the medal's significance and its role in the social and political landscape of the Dutch Republic.