Overlijden van de kunstschilder Ary Scheffer op 15 juni 1858 1860

This silver medal commemorating the death of painter Ary Scheffer was created by Moses de Vries. Scheffer, though born in the Netherlands, achieved fame in France, painting primarily historical and religious scenes with a touch of Romanticism, at a time when the art world was rapidly changing. The medal presents us with dual narratives. On one side, a profile of Scheffer, capturing his likeness. On the other, allegorical figures representing the Netherlands and France, jointly mourning the artist, thus underscoring Scheffer's dual national identity and artistic importance to both countries. The medal invites reflection on themes of national identity and artistic legacy at a time of great social change. It’s a personal yet public declaration of grief, a small object that speaks volumes about the cultural values placed on art and artists in 19th-century Europe.