Penning op een vijfentwintigjarig huwelijksfeest 1749 1748

This silver medal commemorating a 25th wedding anniversary in 1749 was created by Martin Holtzhey. In the Dutch Republic, marriage was regarded as a cornerstone of social order, and these anniversaries were significant milestones. On one side, we see allegorical figures - an old man, perhaps representing time or wisdom, and a woman, possibly symbolizing virtue or fidelity - united by a flame, suggesting enduring love. The inscription encircles them, a testament to a quarter-century of shared life. In that era, marriage was intrinsically linked to socio-economic stability, determining inheritance and social standing. On the reverse, an inscription in Dutch blesses the couple and describes the strength of their bond. These medals were often commissioned by the wealthier families of the merchant class, functioning as personal mementos and public displays of status. This medal provides a glimpse into the values and social structures of the 18th century, illustrating how personal experiences were interwoven with broader societal norms.