Ontzet van Heusden 1787

Joseph Jansz. Everts created this silver medal, titled "Ontzet van Heusden," likely around 1787. Struck from metal, the medal's creation involved a complex process of die-cutting, shaping, and engraving. Look closely, and you will see that one side depicts the liberation of Heusden, with detailed figures and architectural elements. The other side features an inscription, commemorating the event. The incised text is crisp, but small, revealing Everts's skill. The choice of silver as a material is significant. Beyond its inherent value and association with wealth, silver also possesses a reflective quality that would have caught the light, enhancing the medal's visual impact. This object would have been struck to commemorate a specific event, reflecting the social and political context of the time. Consider how the medal's materiality—its weight, feel, and visual appearance—contributes to its meaning. It challenges traditional notions of art by illustrating how social and political histories are conveyed through craft.