Roelof Ketelaer, kapitein- ter-zee tijdens het beleg van Groningen 1672

This silver medal commemorates Roelof Ketelaer, a captain during the siege of Groningen. Though the artist remains anonymous, the piece offers a glimpse into 17th-century Dutch military identity and civic pride. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and naval officers like Ketelaer were celebrated as heroes. The medal depicts the siege of Groningen, a significant event in Dutch history, underscoring themes of national defense and strength. The imagery, etched in fine detail, presents a narrative of power and control, reflecting the societal values of the time. Consider the emotional weight such an object carried: for Ketelaer, perhaps a symbol of personal achievement and recognition; for the citizens of Groningen, a reminder of resilience and victory. How does this object function as a marker of identity, both individual and collective, in a society shaped by maritime power and military conflict?