Verbranding van Hieronymus van Praag 1725 - 1728

This medal was made by Jean Dassier, and it commemorates the burning of Hieronymus van Praag. It’s made of silver, a valuable material then as now, but here used for the purpose of propaganda. Consider the status and skill of the medalist here. Dassier would have likely worked from wax models, which allowed him to achieve a high level of relief and detail. Notice the sharp definition of Hieronymus’s features and clothing. This ensured that even in mass production, each medal would carry the message with clarity and impact. The very act of striking medals speaks volumes. In this period, this was an established means of immortalizing individuals and events, and of course, circulating political messages. The choice of silver underscores the perceived importance of the subject. It’s a potent reminder that materials and making are never neutral; they are always active participants in shaping our understanding of history.