Jacob Mossel (1704-1761), Governor-General of the VOC in Batavia 1760

This gold medal depicting Jacob Mossel, Governor-General of the VOC in Batavia, was made by Johan George Holtzhey in the mid-18th century. The medal is a fascinating example of the intersection of art, power, and trade. Holtzhey, a master of die-cutting, would have used specialized tools to engrave the intricate designs onto steel dies, which were then used to strike the gold. The resulting medal is a testament to the skill of the artist, but also to the wealth and influence of the Dutch East India Company. The choice of gold as a material is significant here. It speaks to the immense wealth that flowed through the VOC, often extracted through exploitative labor practices. The medal, therefore, serves as a potent reminder of the complex relationship between artistic production, global trade, and colonial power. By considering the material and the processes involved in its making, we can better understand the social and cultural significance of this artwork.