Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, burgemeester van Amsterdam 1787

This silver medal depicting Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft, mayor of Amsterdam, was created anonymously, sometime in the 17th century. Medals like this one served as more than just decorative objects; they were powerful symbols of status and identity within the complex social hierarchies of the Dutch Golden Age. Hooft, as mayor, embodied the power and privilege of the ruling class, a class built on trade and colonial exploitation. The medal's inscription, though difficult to decipher, speaks to the values and virtues associated with Hooft's position, likely emphasizing his role as a leader and guardian of the city's interests. Reflect on the weight of this object, both literally and figuratively. It’s a small token representing a vast network of power, wealth, and influence. Consider the legacy of figures like Hooft, and how their actions continue to shape our world today.