Vijfentwintigjarig bestaan van de maatschappij Arti et Amicitiae te Amsterdam 1864

This is a medal made by Johan Philip van der Kellen, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Arti et Amicitiae Society in Amsterdam. The medal serves as a material artifact reflecting the cultural values and social dynamics of the Dutch art world in the 19th century. The building depicted on the medal was a physical space, but it also served as a symbolic center for artistic identity and community. It reflects the importance of artistic societies in shaping cultural norms, hierarchies, and networks of patronage during this period. The names inscribed on the reverse side of the medal highlight the significance of individual contributions and collective identity within the artistic community. As such, the medal is not just a commemorative object, but a testament to the power of art to forge social bonds, define cultural values, and shape individual identities within a specific historical context.