Portrait Medallion of Cornelis de Witt (1623-1672) c. 1735 - 1750

Editor: This marble relief portrait, "Portrait Medallion of Cornelis de Witt," created around 1735-1750, presents a distinguished figure in a Baroque style. The details in the carving, particularly in the hair and clothing, are impressive. How do we interpret such an idealized representation today? Curator: Indeed. Considering Cornelis de Witt was murdered in 1672, the work wasn't created contemporaneously to his life. Instead, it’s an 18th-century construction and representation of power. Why commemorate someone decades after their death? And who would commission it? I think situating this medallion within the fraught political climate of the Dutch Republic in the 18th century—remembering its internal conflicts—is key to unlocking its significance. Editor: So, it’s less about historical accuracy and more about the political message it conveys? Curator: Precisely. The idealized depiction—the way the hair is styled, the rich fabric of his clothing—serves to legitimize a certain lineage and political ideology. Do you notice anything in the texture that could support that point? Editor: The smoothness of the marble and the detailed, almost celebratory depiction of his clothing, does seem intended to evoke a sense of respect and admiration. Perhaps even nostalgia for a perceived "golden age?" Curator: Exactly! Think about what 'golden age' means to different groups – who benefited and who was excluded. This medallion, then, becomes a focal point for discussing power, memory, and representation. Who gets remembered, and how? Editor: It’s fascinating to consider how this object, seemingly straightforward, can open up complex questions about history, power, and even collective memory. Thank you for drawing my attention to the wider narrative. Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about art this way keeps it alive.