Herstel van de orde in de Nederlanden, penning geslagen op last van de Staten van Gelderland en Zutphen en op de landdag uitgedeeld aan de leden 1788

Curator: Welcome. We're looking at "Herstel van de orde in de Nederlanden," a medal designed by Johann Heinrich Schepp in 1788. Editor: My first thought? Seriously heavy metal. The weight of history and politics practically radiates from this piece, doesn't it? Like carrying around a pocket-sized drama. Curator: Precisely. Crafted in metal, possibly bronze, it's a commemorative piece reflecting the re-establishment of order in the Netherlands during that tumultuous period. Editor: Order, huh? Those figures on one side—they've got that stern, Roman vibe down pat. All helmets and shields, like extras from some historical epic. It screams "discipline" but also maybe "repression," you know? Curator: Neoclassical influence is certainly evident. Consider the arrangement of the figures—a calculated symmetry. Three allegorical figures stand beside an altar with classical attire, each bearing symbolic shields and spears that project both power and controlled reason. Observe the inscription above— " Concordia Mota Manet "- that indicates steadfast concord. Editor: Oh, I see what you mean now... everything IS very orderly in the imagery... the lettering and spacing even. The other side has more lettering on it. It looks like REPUB... what? Curator: Yes, “REPUB. AB INTERITU SERVATA ORDINE FECIT 1788” or loosely, "The Republic, preserved from destruction, made [or 'did'] (it) with Order" Editor: See, and with "order" in your back pocket like that I imagine folks walked taller! More seriously, there’s something unsettling about how pristine it looks. The wreath makes it almost festive, which contrasts strangely with the rather severe message about maintaining control, as well. Curator: It embodies an ambivalence. These medals would have been given to members of the States of Gelderland and Zutphen during the "landdag," or regional assembly. The leaders felt like they averted political ruin—thus a cause for great celebration Editor: Yeah... it is like a coin of two worlds banging up against one another! Thanks for the walk-through, I get the sense this bit of metal tells an involved tale of order and, you know, a good strong cup of neo-classicism. Curator: A keen observation. The piece serves as an artifact, emblematic of the prevailing values during a formative period. Its artistic language reveals not just aesthetic preferences but ideological underpinnings as well.