Penning in de vorm van een letterblokje op de driehonderdjarige herdenking van de inname van Den Briel door de watergeuzen 1872 1872

Curator: This intriguing object, created by Johan Enschedé & Zn. in 1872, is a commemorative medal shaped like a letter block. The full title is “Penning in de vorm van een letterblokje op de driehonderdjarige herdenking van de inname van Den Briel door de watergeuzen 1872.” It marks the 300-year anniversary of the capture of Den Briel by the Watergeuzen. Editor: My first thought is of the visual impact. The simple, almost brutal form, juxtaposed with the delicate lettering, is striking. It possesses an undeniable modernist aesthetic despite being produced in the 19th century. What do you make of the materials used? Curator: The Rijksmuseum categorizes this piece as mixed-media, employing print and metalwork techniques. The combination points to the period's increasing industrialization, but also harkens back to the long tradition of commemorative coin production. What’s interesting is situating this celebration of Dutch military history within contemporary debates on national identity and colonial legacies. How do we reconcile the heroic narratives embedded in the piece with the problematic aspects of that history? Editor: The work immediately struck me as an excellent example of the modern artistic consciousness grappling with its inheritance. The form is deliberately uncomplicated. And the typography, the letterforms themselves, carry significant weight. Their sharp edges lend an air of almost uncomfortable honesty, mirroring the historical event itself. It resists easy romanticization. Curator: Precisely. Commemorating the capture of Den Briel inevitably evokes complex emotions tied to nationalism and militarism, which is never a simple, unambiguous concept. The "Watergeuzen," while viewed as heroes by some, also represent a turbulent era of religious and political conflict. The block-like format gives off the visual echo of building something new atop historical foundations that are quite layered. Editor: From my vantage, the rigid composition creates a sense of solemn reflection instead of joyous celebration. It’s almost architectural in its stoicism, recalling monumental structures but scaled down to fit in your hand, which generates a uniquely potent impression. Curator: Ultimately, this seemingly small object is loaded with cultural significance, encouraging us to reflect on the multi-faceted, sometimes contradictory meanings behind historical events and national pride. Editor: Yes. A surprisingly powerful piece, given its humble size and unadorned presentation. The block shape is a monument, to be sure.