Overlijden van Willem IV 1751

This gold coin, commemorating the death of Willem IV, was made by Johan George Holtzhey. The coin presents a portrait of Willem IV alongside an image of a funerary urn. Coins like this one offer insight into the political climate of the Dutch Republic. Willem IV's position as hereditary stadtholder was controversial, marking a shift away from republican ideals. These objects helped shape public opinion and legitimize power. The imagery on the coin, especially the funerary urn, is rich with symbolism. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where elaborate displays of mourning were common among the elite. To understand this coin fully, we can research the history of the House of Orange-Nassau, the political dynamics of the Dutch Republic, and the artistic conventions of commemorative medals. Only then can we appreciate how Holtzhey’s work participated in the construction of historical memory.