Overlijden van Hendrik Grave, luitenant-admiraal van Holland en West-Friesland 1749

Dillis van Oyen created this silver medal commemorating the death of Hendrik Grave, Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West Friesland. The medal presents two distinct sides, each meticulously crafted. One side bears an ornate coat of arms encircled by flourishes, demonstrating heraldic symbolism. Turning to the other side, inscriptions are framed within maritime motifs; flags, navigational tools, and weaponry, reflecting the Admiral's naval stature. What’s particularly striking is how van Oyen uses the medal’s circular form to create two distinct yet complementary visual fields. Each side, while separate, engages in dialogue. The heraldic formality on one side contrasts with the active, maritime symbolism on the other, creating a dynamic tension that speaks to both the personal identity and public role of Hendrik Grave. It transforms a simple object into a rich field of cultural and historical meaning.