Vijfentwintigjarige huwelijk van J.C. Cuyck van Mierop en Sara Cloek 1764

This silver medal commemorating the 25th wedding anniversary of J.C. Cuyck van Mierop and Sara Cloek was created by Martin Holtzhey. The medal’s circular form contains a wealth of detail, demanding close inspection to unpack its symbolic language. The composition divides into symbolic and textual fields. One side showcases a classical scene bathed in divine light, complete with figures, foliage, and architectural elements, all meticulously rendered. The other side is dominated by an inscription. The textual field serves not only to record the occasion but also to invite interpretation. How does the medal's physical form—its weight, size, and texture—affect its meaning? As an object, it is designed for touch, encouraging an intimate, tactile engagement that enhances its commemorative function. This interweaving of form and content exemplifies how medals function not just as historical markers but also as complex aesthetic objects.