Inwijding van het Akademiegebouw te Groningen 1850 1850

This silver medal was made by David van der Kellen in 1850 to celebrate the inauguration of the Academy Building in Groningen. The fine details were achieved through a striking process using dies, which were themselves carefully engraved. Considering the medal’s size, the level of detail is remarkable. Look closely, and you can see the architectural elevation of the building and the surrounding wreath. As a material, silver has a crucial impact: its cool luster and malleability allow for sharp, precise imagery. The act of minting – impressing a design onto metal – elevates the building to a level of national importance, while also commemorating the event for posterity. Tokens like this were often distributed to dignitaries and officials. In that sense, this object straddles the line between art, craft, and commemorative design. It reminds us that even seemingly minor objects can carry significant social and cultural meaning.