Sneuvelen van admiraal de Ruyter 1676

This medal, commemorating the death of Admiral de Ruyter, was made by Christoffel Adolphi sometime around 1676. Its cool, grey surface comes from the silver from which it was made. The making of a medal like this starts with design: the choice of imagery and inscription, followed by the skilled work of a medalist. The material properties of silver allow for great detail in depicting the Admiral's portrait, and scenes from naval battle. Minting would involve a process of die-striking, where the design is engraved in steel, then pressed to create the relief on the metal. The medal's relatively small scale concentrates the impact of the image. It speaks to a wider social context of memorializing military leaders. By considering the materials, the making, and the context, we see how it challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.