Sneuvelen van kapitein-ter-zee jonkheer Jan van Gelder 1673

This silver medal commemorates the death of Jan van Gelder, a Dutch naval captain. The medal, made in the Netherlands, depicts a naval battle, a stark reminder of the human cost of maritime conflict during this period. The image creates meaning through visual codes: sailing ships, cannons and a coat of arms, which would have been instantly recognizable symbols of naval power, social class, and political status. This medal not only commemorates an individual but also speaks to the broader social and economic structures of the time. In the 18th century, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and naval officers like Van Gelder played a crucial role in protecting its trade interests. The medal, therefore, becomes a symbol of national pride. Historical research into Dutch naval history and genealogy, might further illuminate the significance of Van Gelder’s death, as well as the history of the institutions which produced and consumed such commemorative objects.