Militaire Willems-Orde aan lint after 1832

This is the Militaire Willems-Orde aan lint, which translates as Military Order of William on ribbon, made by an anonymous maker from precious metals and textile. Looking closely, you'll see the ribbon is striped with blue, a small crown surmounts a larger, eight-pointed star. The star is made with alternating points of white enamel and faceted green glass, with words inscribed across. This is no mere medal; it's a potent symbol of power, prestige, and national identity. Consider the range of materials and processes involved. The metalwork is likely die-stamped, a process developed in the industrial revolution for mass production of coins and other small items, demanding meticulous detail. The enameling on the star points requires skilled application and firing, while the ribbon, woven with precision, adds a soft counterpoint to the hard metal. The amount of labor to create this object, from the mine to the finished product, speaks to a complex web of social relations. It’s a far cry from studio craft, yet its aura of craftsmanship contributes to its value. Whether fine art or craft, it's clear that materials and making lie at the heart of this object's meaning.