Geuzenpenning met napje en kalebasjes in bijbehorende doos 1800 - 1900

Editor: This intriguing little silver pendant, dating from 1800 to 1900, is titled "Geuzenpenning met napje en kalebasjes in bijbehorende doos," created by an anonymous artist. It’s a miniature portrait of someone important, dangling with what looks like tiny cups. There's something rather mournful about its silvery stillness. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Mournful is a fascinating choice! I see something almost defiant in the stern portrait. It’s a Geuzen medal, a symbol of rebellion during the Dutch Revolt in the 16th century. "Geuzen," meaning "beggars," was a derogatory term adopted by the rebels, sort of like punk rockers reclaiming a slur. The cups or "napjes" and gourds or "kalebasjes" hanging from it likely had symbolic meaning too, maybe alluding to the humble, ascetic life of the resistance fighters, or perhaps, in a darkly humorous way, to the poverty the war inflicted. Editor: So, wearing it was a political statement? A bit like wearing a band t-shirt now, showing allegiance? Curator: Precisely! But with much higher stakes. Think of it as wearing your principles, quite literally, close to your heart... or dangling from your neck. And being silver, it also suggested some degree of affluence or at least aspirations to it. Which adds another layer of complexity. Editor: It's incredible to think that such a small, delicate object held so much power and meaning. It’s far more than just a piece of jewellery. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a tiny time capsule, echoing with the fierce whispers of revolution, cleverly masked as finery. It just goes to show how much rebellion can be hidden in plain sight, twinkling away, ready to ignite a new wave of discontent. And makes one wonder what our equivalent pendants might be today… Editor: It definitely does make you think! I'll never look at jewelry the same way again.