Voorlopige vrede van Breslau 1742

This silver medal, known as Voorlopige vrede van Breslau, was made by Martin Holtzhey in the mid-18th century. Notice that its small scale immediately invites close inspection. The medal’s value lies not just in its material cost but in the skill required to produce it. Holtzhey has compressed a great deal of detail into a small space, using dies to stamp the intricate design into the metal. On one side, we see a portrait of Maria Theresa; the other depicts allegorical figures celebrating peace. Consider the labor involved in this process: the mining and refining of silver, the cutting of the dies, and the striking of each medal. Each stage relies on specialized knowledge and physical effort. Beyond its commemorative function, this medal is a testament to the interconnectedness of craft, industry, and the political narratives they serve to uphold.