Tweede eeuwfeest van de Reformatie, ter ere van Ulrich Zwingli 1719

This undated silver medal commemorates the second centenary of the Reformation, honoring Ulrich Zwingli. The medal presents a portrait of Zwingli, encircled by text, and on the reverse, a depiction of an open bible upon a table, radiating light. The medal reflects a specific cultural and institutional moment. Zwingli, a key figure in the Swiss Reformation, challenged Catholic orthodoxy in Zurich during the early 16th century. This medal serves as a material expression of the historical importance attributed to Zwingli and the broader Reformation movement, two hundred years after the fact. It underscores the role of commemorative objects in constructing and reinforcing collective identities. Historical societies and religious organizations, during the early modern period, often commissioned such medals. Researching the archives of these groups could reveal insights into the medal's commission, distribution, and reception, offering us a more nuanced understanding of its role in shaping religious and social memory.