Overlijden van Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1794

This small round relief sculpture, commemorating the death of Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester of Amsterdam, was carved anonymously out of ivory. The choice of ivory as a medium here is no accident. Beyond its smooth, refined surface, the material itself carries a considerable social weight, with links to colonial trade. Note the high level of skill involved in the carving: the composition includes carefully modeled figures in various poses, all emerging from the flat plane of the disk. On the back, you can see the cross-hatching left by the tools used to bring the ivory to its circular shape, which provides a stark contrast to the front. This contrast between rough and smooth asks us to consider the labor involved in creating such an object and what it represents. Here, ivory isn't just a material, but a symbol of luxury and power, reflecting the status of the deceased burgemeester and the world in which he lived. Appreciating the intricate carving, as well as the material's history, gives us a richer understanding of the artwork's meaning.