Huwelijk van prins Willem II met Maria van Engeland 1641

This silver medal, commemorating the wedding of Prince William II and Mary of England, was made by Johann Blum. The medal’s creation likely involved a skilled metalsmith, using techniques such as engraving to achieve the fine details seen in the inscriptions, figures, and symbolic elements. Silver, as a material, has long been associated with wealth and status, reflecting the importance of this royal union. Its lustrous surface and malleability made it an ideal choice for such a commemorative object. The act of minting coins and medals has a rich social history. It was used to mark significant events and disseminate propaganda. Here, the emphasis on skill and labor transforms base materials into precious objects, imbued with cultural and political meaning. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the artistry, craft, and symbolic value embodied in objects like this medal, enriching our understanding of the past.