Honderdjarige herdenking van de geboorte van Willem van Oranje 1933 1933

This bronze medal commemorating the centennial of Willem van Oranje’s birth was made in 1933 by M.P.J. Fleur. Look how the light catches on the surface of the coin, see how Fleur uses this to emphasize the textures, to give depth to the folds of the ruff. The surface feels almost sculptural, with these sharp, precise lines giving way to softer, more organic shapes. Notice the way the light falls across Willem’s face, the deep shadows under his brow, the way his eyes seem to follow you. It’s like Fleur is trying to capture not just a likeness, but the man’s very essence. I’m reminded of the work of Ernst Barlach, the way he used light and shadow to create a sense of drama and emotion in his sculptures. Both artists seem to be interested in exploring the human condition through their art. Art always feels like an ongoing conversation, where the meaning is never fixed, but constantly shifting and evolving.