Hollands gouden schild van Jan van Beieren, 1418-1425 1422 - 1425

This small gold shield was made in Holland, between 1418 and 1425, by Jan van Beieren. Its size belies its significance, for it speaks volumes about the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shaped artistic production in the late medieval period. The shield presents us with a fascinating insight into the institutional history of the era. Its imagery, from the heraldic symbols to the regal inscriptions, projects power and legitimacy during a time of political upheaval. This wasn't just currency; it was a statement, a carefully crafted piece of propaganda designed to solidify Jan van Beieren's rule. In it, we see the fusion of art and politics, where the aesthetic becomes a tool for asserting social control. Understanding this shield requires that we delve into the archives, examine the historical records, and piece together the complex web of social, political, and economic factors that gave rise to it.