Overlijden van Petrus Camper, beeldhouwer, schilder, professor in de anatomie en chirurgie 1789

This silver medal, commemorating the death of Petrus Camper, was created by Franciscus Hemsterhuis. Minted as a token of remembrance, the medal's value lies not just in its material, but in the skilled labor required to produce it. Consider the precision needed to engrave the intricate details: Camper's profile, the symbolic imagery, and the delicate lettering. The use of silver elevates the medal beyond a simple memento, signifying respect and prestige for the deceased polymath. The medal's small scale demands careful handling and specialized tools, reflecting a tradition of craftsmanship that values accuracy and finesse. The act of striking or casting this medal also speaks to broader social and economic structures. Who had access to such commemorative objects, and what did it mean to possess one? By focusing on the medal's materiality and production, we gain insight into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time, bridging the gap between art, craft, and society.