Verschillende munten en penningen 1839 - 1863

This is Jan Dam Steuerwald's "Verschillende munten en penningen," or "Various Coins and Medals," an engraving, the date of which is currently unknown. Steuerwald lived during a time of significant political and social change in Europe, including the rise of nationalism and the increasing importance of symbols of national identity. This print depicts a series of coins and medals, each carrying its own distinct imagery and symbolism. These coins and medals served not only as currency but also as powerful visual tools which shaped collective memory. Each design reflects the values, aspirations, and power structures of the societies that produced them. The images of royalty, emblems of power, and symbolic figures reflect not only the ideals of governance but also the complex relationships between rulers and the ruled, and the construction of national and cultural identities. The act of collecting and cataloging such objects was often driven by a desire to preserve history and construct narratives of national progress. It also reflects how deeply these objects are intertwined with notions of value, power, and cultural heritage.