Vijfentwintigjarig bestaan van de Nationale Nederlandsche Huishoudelijke Maatschappij, voorheen de Oeconomische Tak van de Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen te Haarlem 1804

This medal was made in 1803 by Johan George Holtzhey, likely from silver, to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Dutch National Household Society. The material itself, precious and weighty, speaks to the societal importance of the organization. Holtzhey was a master die cutter, a highly skilled craftsperson responsible for creating the metal stamps used to mint coins and medals. This medal would have been made through a process of careful engraving and striking. Consider the precision required to create such small, legible lettering and detailed imagery. On one side, a tree grows, surrounded by agricultural tools, symbolizing prosperity and growth. The other side features an altar with rays of light, representing enlightenment and progress. Medals like these were not just commemorative objects, they were tools for shaping public opinion and celebrating civic values. The artistry and material value elevated the status of the organization, aligning it with notions of national pride and economic stability. It's a testament to the enduring power of craft in shaping our understanding of history and society.