Marmeren medaillon van burgemeester Cornelis de Graeff door Artus Quellin 1876

This is a marble medallion of Mayor Cornelis de Graeff by Artus Quellin. Although Quellin created the original, this is a later depiction, transferred into print by Pieter Oosterhuis. Marble is a metamorphic rock, prized for its beauty, durability, and the smooth finish it can take. Creating a marble relief like this one begins with selecting a suitable block of stone. The artist would then use a variety of tools, including chisels, rasps, and drills to slowly remove material and reveal the desired form. This requires a high degree of skill and precision, as mistakes can be difficult to correct. The labor-intensive process and inherent value of marble have long associated it with wealth and status. Here, the choice of marble suggests De Graeff’s prominence in Dutch society. The crisp, clean lines and smooth surface give the portrait a sense of refinement and permanence, reflecting the enduring legacy of its subject. By considering the materiality and making of this medallion, we can better understand its social and cultural significance.