Penning ter ere van burgemeester Pieter van der Werff, 1604 1700 - 1749

This commemorative medal, made in 1604 by an anonymous artist, honors Pieter van der Werff, the mayor of Leiden. It connects to the wider social and cultural context of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The medal creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, reflecting the historical associations of the time. Made in the Netherlands, a region deeply influenced by the Protestant Reformation, the artwork speaks to the religious and political strife of the era. Leiden, besieged by the Spanish, held out due to the courage of its citizens and leaders like van der Werff. The medal references this through symbolic imagery. For art historians, understanding this piece requires delving into the archives of the Dutch Republic, examining pamphlets, and studying the visual language of the time. The medal's meaning is contingent on its social and institutional context, revealing the power of art to challenge existing social norms.