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

Curator: Let's take a look at this silver commemorative medal, made in 1788. The piece, created by an anonymous artist, is called "Keeshondje, draagteken ter ere van Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam." Editor: Immediately, it gives off a stoic, almost severe vibe, doesn't it? The cool, metallic gray... those rather grave portraits... but there's something endearing about its compact, tactile form. Almost like a coin but heavier. Curator: Indeed. We're seeing here an interesting convergence of civic duty and sentimental object. Medals like these served as both official recognitions and personal keepsakes, circulating within social networks. Consider the silver itself: mined, refined, crafted. Its value and weight spoke to a certain status, an investment both literal and symbolic. Editor: The little dog – is it truly a Keeshond? – adds an intriguing layer, like a personal sigil amidst all the officialdom. It makes you wonder about Hooft’s actual personality. The inscription circling the dog gives me pause though, almost like it’s not supposed to be threatening? Curator: "Byt niet voor den tydt" or in English "Don't bite before the time." These medals are interesting as they challenge the notion of 'high art', aren't they? Here, craftsmanship and functionality intertwine. The production, involving metalwork and engraving, reflect the artisanal skills valued and perpetuated in 18th-century guilds and workshops. Editor: Absolutely! There is that dance again, isn't it? Commerce meeting a personalized item of love and sentimentality... which transforms into art through its function. I feel these pieces represent the very spirit of Dutch history. A constant interplay of public image, private affections, utility and artistic statement all swirling together in the simplest items. Curator: Reflecting the world as it bites, and waits not for any of us. Editor: A very wise observation about this modest token from Amsterdam.