De steunpenning 1914 Possibly 1915

This is “De steunpenning 1914,” a coin or token made by Johannes Cornelis Wienecke. I wonder what it would have been like to hold this coin in 1914. Wienecke, an artist born in the late 19th century, captures a unique design with crisp lines and symbolic imagery. I can see a lion with a sword in one hand, and a sun, a palm tree and branches with fruit, it reminds me of the art nouveau movement, all so characteristic of the period. Looking closely, I feel like I'm in the artist’s studio, watching Wienecke meticulously carve into the die, thinking about the weight and meaning of his design. Maybe he was thinking of his influences, perhaps work from centuries earlier. I like to imagine the artist's process: the initial sketches, the careful selection of materials, and the satisfaction of seeing the design come to life. Artists are always talking to each other, across time, inspiring each other. It is a conversation that embraces so many perspectives and meanings.