Commemorating the International and Colonial Exhibition at Amsterdam, 1883 19th century

These medals commemorating the International and Colonial Exhibition at Amsterdam in 1883 were crafted by Antoine Fisch. The collection features variations in shape, from a rectangular plaque to circular medallions, and the relief textures create a play of light and shadow on the metallic surfaces. Looking closely, we see the artist’s ability to compress narrative and portraiture into such a small scale. Fisch uses symbolic imagery and portraiture to celebrate progress and commerce, embedding cultural codes that would have resonated with the late 19th-century audience. The medals can be understood as signifiers of Dutch ambition and its engagement with global trade and colonialism. The choice of metallic material itself—likely bronze or silver—suggests durability and importance. The textures and designs encourage a tactile engagement, inviting us to contemplate the values and historical narratives they represent. As objects of both art and historical record, these medals offer insight into the complex interplay of aesthetics, power, and cultural identity of the era.