Verbond van Gewapende Neutraliteit, tussen Rusland, Denemarken, Zweden en de Nederlanden 1780

This silver medal was made by Adrianus Martinus Josephus van Baerll in the late 18th century. The material itself speaks volumes about the historical moment it represents. Consider the sheer labor involved in extracting, refining, and working this precious metal. Silver, often associated with wealth and power, was carefully die-struck to create this commemorative object. Notice the intricate details: the coats of arms, the inscription, all precisely rendered. These elements were achieved through skilled craftsmanship, underscoring the value placed on alliances and treaties during a time of political upheaval. The medal's small size makes it a token of power, something that could be held, displayed, and traded, embodying the political and economic stakes of the alliances it represents. It serves as a potent reminder that even seemingly simple objects are deeply embedded in complex networks of labor, politics, and consumption. By looking closely at the materials and making of this medal, we gain insight into the social and cultural values of its time.