Britse ridderorde (The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George), ontvangen door Willem Drees before 1958

This is The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, crafted by Ltd Garrard & Co. What stories do these objects hold? These aren't paintings, but they are a kind of formal construction - full of intention and meaning. They represent history, power, and the relationship between nations. I can imagine the craftspeople, meticulously working with metal and enamel, placing each element with care. These gestures, repeated over and over again, create something that is both beautiful and symbolic. The weight and the feel of the metal in the hand must be incredibly satisfying. What would it have been like to present this to Willem Drees? It is a fascinating and gorgeous object, full of visual, material, and historical details. The tradition of making something this intricate is one that artists are in conversation with.