De Jubilaeum Roset 1863

This rosette was made by Johannes Mattheus van Kempen, most likely in the mid-19th century, from silver and fabric. It has the inscription "Oranje Boven," a Dutch phrase expressing support for the House of Orange. The brooch, with its delicate fabric, seems quite straightforward, but it represents complex social dynamics. Van Kempen was likely not working alone but was rather part of a workshop system. Consider the labor and skill required to transform raw silver into this emblem, from the initial smelting to the final polishing. The silversmith would have needed to be highly skilled. The lightweight fabric shows it was likely for decorative, rather than durable purposes. The rosette bridges the gap between craft and political statement. By understanding its materials, making, and historical context, we gain a deeper insight into the cultural values and expressions of 19th-century Dutch society.