Maria Louise, prinses van Oranje-Nassau, penning haar aangeboden door het kwartier der Friese steden bij het ten tweede male aanvaarden van het stadhouderlijk bewind over Friesland 1759

This silver medal was made by Nicolaas van Swinderen to commemorate Maria Louise of Hesse-Kassel accepting the Stadtholdership of Friesland for the second time. Its imagery speaks volumes about the political and social structures of the Dutch Republic. Made in 1759, the medal presents Maria Louise, not as a revolutionary figure, but as a traditional monarch. On one side, her portrait is accompanied by an inscription listing her titles. The reverse features a complex heraldic display, emphasizing dynastic power and regional alliances. These symbols were meant to legitimize her rule within the existing power structures. This medal is not merely a celebratory object. It’s a carefully constructed piece of political communication, designed to shape public perception and reinforce the authority of the House of Orange-Nassau. To fully understand this object, we can consult period documents, political pamphlets, and genealogical records. By situating it within its historical context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the medal's role in the political landscape of the Dutch Republic.