Overlijden van Christoph Wittich, Nederlands theoloog, 1687 1687

This lead medal was cast in 1687 to commemorate the death of Christoph Wittich, a Dutch theologian. The medal, created by an unknown artist named Smelting, presents Wittich in profile, surrounded by text, while the reverse features a radiant star and more inscriptions. Consider the socio-political context of the Dutch Republic in the late 17th century. A period marked by religious and intellectual ferment. Wittich, as a theologian, would have been deeply involved in these debates. The choice of a medal, a portable and reproducible object, suggests an attempt to memorialize Wittich and perhaps disseminate his ideas. The radiant star on the reverse is a powerful symbol, possibly representing enlightenment or divine guidance. To understand the full meaning, one would need to delve into theological debates of the time, examining Wittich's writings, and considering the role of religious institutions in shaping public opinion. Art history, in this case, is intertwined with social, religious, and intellectual history.