25 jarig regeringsjubileum koningin Wilhelmina 1923

This bronze medal commemorating Queen Wilhelmina's 25-year reign was crafted by Chris van der Hoef. Van der Hoef probably had a plan, but how did he execute it? I wonder about the movement of his hands, the tools he chose. I imagine him in his studio, hunched over, pushing the material, coaxing it to do his bidding. The image on one side shows the Queen, regal and stately. The other side is pure ornament; a vase-like shape with swirling flourishes. A pattern of spirals edges the composition. The details create a surface that catches the light and shadow, bringing the medal to life. I'm thinking about other artists who worked with similar materials and techniques. Each artist brings their own unique vision and approach, building on what came before, pushing the boundaries of their medium, and influencing those who follow. There is so much to see and feel in this small object. It serves as a reminder that art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas, inspirations, and emotions across time and space.