200 Jaar drukkerij Johan Enschede; afscheid G.A. Kessler 1903 - 1977

Editor: Here we have a bronze medal commemorating 200 years of the Johan Enschede printing company, marking G.A. Kessler's departure, dating from 1903 to 1977 and created by Wilhelm Achtenhagen. It's got a classic, almost stoic feel, with that portrait and the inscription… Professor Kessler, indeed! What stands out to you most when you look at this piece? Curator: The sheer weight of history it embodies! You see, it’s not just a medal; it's a tangible piece of the Enschede dynasty. The visual composition cleverly encapsulates the firm’s evolution, doesn't it? The old printing master on one side with text reminiscent of historical texts, and then the spare dedication to Kessler. It’s like two centuries compressed into two sides. I see dedication and legacy. I imagine Achtenhagen, almost feeling the responsibility of encapsulating all of it into one small token. Editor: Absolutely, and that contrast really emphasizes the weight of that legacy, especially compared to the clean lines of Kessler's name and date of retirement on the back. I didn’t initially appreciate the historical gravity that this represents. It’s deeper than just a commemoration; it is, as you said, history compressed! It really offers this intimate snapshot into Dutch printing history. Curator: Indeed. And notice how the historical figure seems both present and distant at the same time. That, to me, reflects the enduring impact of the past, even as time marches onward. This simple circular form encapsulates so much. The genius is really in capturing it all and compressing it! I learned about the weight and density of a small circle, didn't you? Editor: I did. Thank you.