Expansie van de zeevaart in de Westfriese steden 1596

This silver medal, made by Paulus van Wtewael, celebrates the maritime expansion of the West Frisian cities. The material speaks volumes. Silver was not just a precious metal, but also a commodity fueling global trade. Minting this medal involved skilled die-cutting and stamping, processes linked to burgeoning capitalism. The artistry in the details – the ships, the figures, the heraldic symbols – highlights the intricate labor involved in its production. Consider how the medal’s small scale concentrates its message. The weight of silver, the precision of the engraving, the symbolism of maritime power, all compress into a potent statement about the Dutch Republic's economic might. This medal bridges art and craft, reminding us that even the smallest objects can embody complex social and economic histories.