Hendrik Casimir II tot erfstadhouder van Friesland, Groningen en Drenthe benoemd 1675

Editor: So, this is a medal from 1675 commemorating Hendrik Casimir II becoming stadtholder. It's made of metal in relief. The baroque style is really evident, I think, especially in the portrait. What strikes you when you look at this? Curator: Well, medals like this one are fascinating time capsules. On one side, we have a fairly straightforward portrait, imbuing Casimir with status through visual cues. The flowing wig, the drape of his attire… but it's the reverse that truly sings to me. What do you see there? Editor: An allegorical figure leaning on a coat of arms, with some writing around the edge, plus celestial light rays coming from above? Curator: Exactly. Allegory was everything! These visual symbols, meant to quickly convey a whole philosophy. The figure, most likely, represents Liberty or perhaps the Republic. Note how she is both supported and supporting a coat of arms that speaks of dynasty and governance. Those sun rays are significant too. Editor: So, they used established visual language everyone at the time would instantly recognize. Curator: Precisely! Medals like these solidify identity and propagate power through culturally-understood images. It's a constant visual dialogue—the coat of arms referencing lineage, the allegorical figure speaking to civic virtue. It is almost an advertisement of image-making, telling a concise story with lasting impact. Even the lettering that seems a caption helps deliver and frame that cultural narrative. Editor: I never thought of it as that…almost manipulative form of messaging. Curator: All imagery carries weight. A powerful person understood and still does. Even if we don’t immediately grasp every reference today, this medal remains a potent symbol. It reminds us that images shape, reinforce, and can even alter our perception of power and legacy across centuries. Editor: I will definitely look at art differently now, realizing how deeply rooted in history symbols can be. Curator: Yes. Symbols give shape and continuity to history. This medal reveals how Baroque culture actively fashioned and communicated its narrative.