Aanvang van het jaar 1784 en oprichting van burgercorpsen 1784

This silver medal, commemorating the beginning of 1784 and the establishment of citizen militias, was made by Johan George Holtzhey. The process of striking a medal like this involves skilled die-cutting to create a mirror image of the design in steel, which then stamps the image onto the precious metal. The medal's imagery conveys the political tensions of the time. On one side, figures bear a woman aloft, possibly symbolizing liberty, while the inscription celebrates the unwavering support of the fatherland. The reverse features an image framed by a wreath, referencing charters and rights. The silver material itself – a valuable commodity – speaks to the economic underpinnings of the conflict between the ruling elite and an emerging class of citizens. Holtzhey's expertise in die-cutting transforms a commodity into a powerful statement, blurring the lines between craft and political expression. Appreciating the medal's materials and its making deepens our understanding of its historical significance.