Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prins en prinses van Oranje-Nassau 1787 - 1795

This small badge representing Willem V and Wilhelmina of Prussia was made by an anonymous artist, using precious metals like gold and silver. The manipulation of metal, especially in creating such fine detail, speaks to highly specialized skills. The work involved repoussé, chasing, and engraving, techniques that would have been learned through a long apprenticeship. The choice of gold and silver wasn't just about beauty; it communicated status and power. These materials were literally money, and to wear them was to declare your wealth and position in society. Consider the social context: such badges were often commissioned or given as gifts to those loyal to the royal family, reinforcing social bonds. The object becomes not just a portrait, but a symbol of allegiance, a reminder of the labor and resources needed to maintain the social hierarchy. Seeing this badge, let's remember that every object tells a story, not just of artistry, but of the society that shaped it.