Prijspenning van de Nederlandsche Vereeniging Aviculture 1895 1887 - 1895

This prize medal was made in 1895 by Alexander Isaac de Vries, and awarded by the Dutch Aviculture Society. The medal’s significance lies in its material and the process of its making. The medal is cast in bronze, a metal prized for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and its capacity to capture fine detail. The process of casting involves creating a mold, into which molten metal is poured, and then cooled to create a solid form. The inherent properties of bronze – its weight, its cool, smooth surface, and warm color – all contribute to its aesthetic appeal, and imply value. In the late 19th century, such medals were produced using industrial techniques, often involving the use of mechanized presses, and the division of labor among skilled artisans. The production of this medal, therefore, reflects a blend of artistic skill, and industrial efficiency. By considering the medal's material, making, and social context, we can appreciate the artistry of its creation, and its broader cultural significance.