Keeshondje, draagteken ter ere van Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1788

This silver commemorative medal was made to honor Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, a mayor of Amsterdam. The imagery – Hooft’s portrait on one side, a Keeshond dog on the other – is skillfully rendered in relief. While the material cost of silver wasn't exorbitant, the processes involved demanded a great deal of skill. Goldsmiths would have needed a deep understanding of chasing and repoussé to work the metal from both sides to create these images. The medal’s small size would have amplified the technical challenge. The choice of a dog isn’t accidental; the Keeshond, a Dutch barge dog, was a symbol of patriotism. This small object encapsulates not only personal recognition but also broader social values. It prompts us to consider the cultural significance embedded in even the smallest objects, elevating them beyond mere decoration.