Anna van Hannover, prinses van Oranje-Nassau, gouvernante en voogdes, penning haar aangeboden door het kwartier der Friese steden 1752

This silver medal was made by Nicolaas van Swinderen, and it depicts Anna van Hannover, Princess of Orange-Nassau. The medal commemorates her role as governor and guardian, an office offered to her by the quarter of the Frisian cities. On one side, we see a portrait of Anna in profile, adorned with jewels and elaborate drapery, a clear indication of her high social standing. On the other side, a complex heraldic display underscores her dynastic power. The choice of silver as a medium speaks to both the wealth of the cities involved, and the perceived value of Anna's leadership. This piece can be understood within the tradition of civic patronage, where local authorities commissioned works to celebrate or cement political alliances. To fully appreciate such an artifact, a social historian might delve into city archives to uncover the specific circumstances that led to this commission. They might also research the political climate of the time, reading pamphlets and newspapers, so that the medal's message can be unpacked.