Stillen van het aansprekersoproer te Amsterdam, penning aan de gewapende burgers vereerd 1696

Editor: Here we have "Stillen van het aansprekersoproer te Amsterdam, penning aan de gewapende burgers vereerd," a metal relief sculpture made in 1696 by Jacob van Dishoecke. The detail is astonishing for something so small. One side features what appears to be Neptune, and the other... maybe a sunrise? It feels celebratory. What do you see in this piece? Curator: You’re right to see celebration. This medal commemorates the quelling of the “anschprekersoproer,” or undertakers’ revolt, in Amsterdam. Notice Neptune. Why Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, for an Amsterdam uprising? Think about Amsterdam’s power, built on maritime trade. Neptune here isn’t just a deity; he symbolizes Amsterdam's dominance over the seas and thus, its wealth and stability. The waves are calm here -- power maintained, stability ensured. Editor: So the sea, normally a symbol of the unknown, represents stability here. I wouldn't have made that connection on my own. Curator: Precisely. And look at the reverse. What does the sunrise symbolize, beyond the obvious? Editor: Hope? A new day? Curator: Yes, but more specifically, consider its placement above the small ship on a tranquil sea, coupled with the Latin inscription, *’Has sedato lis candente Senatus Amstelod…*’ Editor: It looks like a new era of peace dawning on Amsterdam. After the storm, there is finally calm. Curator: Exactly! The visual language is powerful: light overcoming darkness, order restored after chaos. Consider also the implicit message of divine favor—Neptune on their side. What cultural values are being reinforced here? Editor: Obedience to the Senate? The importance of maintaining order at all costs? Curator: And the strength derived from maritime power, all packed into a small, powerful object intended to be distributed among armed citizens who assisted with putting down the revolt. A powerful symbol of a complex moment in Amsterdam's history, isn't it? Editor: It is. Thanks for opening my eyes to all the layers of meaning embedded in this small coin!