Nicolaas Pieter Jacob Kien, vijfentwintig jaar burgemeester van Utrecht 1864

Curator: This bronze medal commemorates Nicolaas Pieter Jacob Kien's twenty-fifth year as mayor of Utrecht. David van der Kellen created this piece in 1864. Editor: It's heavier than I imagined. The smooth surface draws you in, and then you see the portrait—very serious, almost severe. The other side has this detailed wreath surrounding text I can't quite read. Curator: The inscription on the reverse side celebrates his dedication to the city. What I find fascinating is the political theatre that these sorts of objects participate in; it isn't simply about honor, it's about shaping a very particular legacy of leadership. Editor: I’m thinking about how bronze, specifically, becomes a material of permanence, a civic-minded durability that implies not only the lasting tenure, but perhaps Kien’s lasting influence. Curator: Precisely! The neoclassical style evokes the ideals of republican virtue, connecting Kien's service to a long line of respected leaders. Medals were important propaganda tools, reflecting the desires and needs of society. Editor: It's also interesting to consider the labor involved. From the initial design and carving, to the metalworking itself, and then mass production for the dignitaries. Each medal an object handled and discussed among very powerful people. Curator: And displayed as markers of that power and patronage! It underscores that while we examine these in museums as art objects, they circulated in very specific social circles. Editor: When you start to unpack how things are made, and why certain materials were used, even something as "simple" as this can tell a bigger story. Curator: A potent reminder of how a portrait, a city, and even power can all be meticulously constructed. Editor: I agree. Material and context reshape how you consider what’s in front of you.