Keeshondje, draagteken ter ere van Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1788

This is a silver commemorative badge, crafted by an anonymous artist, honoring Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, the mayor of Amsterdam. Its meticulous design and polished surfaces invite a close visual inspection. The badge consists of two rectangular plaques connected by a small, ornate hinge. One plaque features a keeshond dog above the year '1787', set against the inscription "Fidelis". The second plaque displays delicate floral engravings, bordered by geometric lines. Note how the artist uses symmetry and proportion to balance the figurative and decorative elements, creating a harmonious whole. The choice of silver, a precious metal, lends the object a sense of importance and permanence. Its reflective surface plays with light and shadow, adding depth and texture to the composition. As a portable object, this badge functioned not only as a commemorative symbol but also as a statement of allegiance and identity. It embodies an interplay of form, function and meaning, inviting endless interpretation.