Overlijden van Willem IV 1751

This is Johann Lorenz Natter’s silver medal, commemorating the passing of Willem IV. Its circular form, typical of commemorative medallions, presents us with two distinct yet unified sides. One side features a high-relief portrait of Willem IV, his visage and elaborate wig meticulously detailed. The incised Latin text curves around the portrait. On the opposite side, allegorical figures lament the loss. An angel presents a crown to a weeping figure, set against a backdrop of classical motifs. The composition uses depth to create a stage-like space within the limited area. The medal functions semiotically, using recognizable symbols. The portrait serves as an indexical sign of Willem IV, while the allegorical scene employs symbolic language to convey mourning and legacy. The silver medium itself elevates the subject. Ultimately, this medal serves as a portable monument, encapsulating complex political and emotional narratives within a carefully structured and symbolic design.