Ridderlijke Confrerie van de Handbussche te Delft 1718

This silver medal, of just over 3cm in diameter, was created by Gerard van Loon. Its circular form is divided into two distinct sides, each bearing a complex composition. One side features a seated female figure holding a rifle, with the inscription 'Societas Sclopetaria,' highlighting the theme of marksmanship. The other side presents an allegorical figure bestowing a wreath, set against symbols of skill and victory, with the words 'Dexteritatis Praemium.' The medal’s small scale intensifies the detail, turning it into an intricate study of balance. The symmetry in the arrangement of figures and emblems suggests an attempt to present a coherent visual language of achievement and community. The choice of silver as a medium enhances the medal's formality, turning it into a reflective object. The design elements reflect the cultural values of skill, recognition, and communal identity. The circular form itself, endless, can be seen as a structural element for the ongoing nature of these values.