Prijspenning van de Stedelijke Schietwedstrijd Amsterdam, 1892, individueel vuur, eerste prijs 1892

This is the silver prize medal by Jan Daniel Posthumus, awarded at the Amsterdam shooting competition in 1892. In the late 19th century, shooting competitions were more than just sport; they were displays of civic pride and masculine identity. This medal, awarded for individual marksmanship, speaks volumes about the values of the time. Consider the imagery: the coat of arms of Amsterdam, flanked by lions, symbols of strength and courage. These symbols would resonate deeply with the male participants, reinforcing their connection to the city and to traditional ideals of masculinity. But what about those excluded from this narrative? Where are the women, the working class, or the marginalized voices in this celebration of civic virtue? The medal is a physical embodiment of privilege and belonging. The weight of the silver, the precise engraving – all point to a society that valued order, skill, and a particular vision of citizenship. It’s a reminder that history is often told from the perspective of the powerful.