Moord op de gebroeders de Witt 1672

This silver medal, commemorating the “Moord op de gebroeders de Witt,” or murder of the De Witt brothers, was made by Pierre Aury in the Netherlands. It’s a relatively small object, just over 7 centimeters in diameter, yet it carries a weighty historical significance. The medal's creation involved skilled metalworking, likely through die-striking or casting, to capture the detailed portraits and allegorical scenes. The choice of silver wasn't arbitrary; its inherent value and malleability allowed for intricate detailing, while its luster added an air of importance to the piece. The making of such medals was a way to circulate political messages, and in this case, to provoke reflection on a gruesome event. By focusing on the materiality and production of this medal, we can appreciate how craft and design are intertwined with political narratives. It challenges the notion of medals as mere historical artifacts and encourages us to consider their role in shaping public opinion and collective memory.