Nicolaas Witsen, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1685

This silver medal portraying Nicolaas Witsen, mayor of Amsterdam, was made by an anonymous artist using casting and chasing techniques. Consider the choice of silver. Its inherent value and malleability allowed for intricate detailing through chasing, where the metal is shaped by carefully hammering the surface. This wasn't merely a portrait; it was a statement. It reflected the wealth and power of both Witsen and Amsterdam itself, a city built on global trade. The process speaks volumes about labor too. Many hands were likely involved, from the mining of the silver, to its processing, and finally, the skilled artisan who rendered Witsen’s likeness. Think about the social context: Amsterdam was a hub of commerce, and this medal embodies the connections between artistry, wealth, and political status. The medal blurs the lines between art, craft, and currency, reminding us that objects are never just things. They are material records of social and economic forces.