Geboorte van Willem Frederik, erfprins van Oranje-Nassau 1772

This silver medal was made to celebrate the birth of William Frederick, the hereditary prince of Orange-Nassau. The artist, Barend Christiaan van Calker, likely used a combination of die-striking and chasing to create the intricate relief designs on both sides. This object gives us insight into the cultural context surrounding royal births in the 18th century. The choice of silver as a material speaks to the wealth and status associated with the event. The medal's small size and weight make it easily portable, suggesting it was intended as a personal memento for those connected to the court. The precision of the engraving indicates a high level of skill, reflecting the value placed on artisanal craftsmanship at the time. The symbolic imagery such as the cornucopia and heraldic shields, along with Latin inscriptions, reinforces the idea of power and legacy. In studying this medal, we recognize the importance of understanding not only its artistic qualities but also the social and political values it represents.