Aanvang van het jaar 1760

About this artwork

diameter 4.4 cm x weight 256 gr

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our virtual museum exhibit featuring *Aanvang van het jaar1760* ("Beginning of the Year 0"), a finely crafted medal struck by the esteemed Dutch engraver Johan Georgetzhey in 1760. Holtzhey, active in Amsterdam during the 18th century, was renowned for intricate medal work, blending portraiture and commemorative designs with exceptional precision. This small yet substantial piece—measuring 4.4 cm in diameter and weighing a hefty 256 grams—exemplifies the era's metalworking artistry, likely executed in silver or a similar dense alloy for durability and prestige. The "striking" technique used here involved hammering a hardened steel die into a blank metal disc under immense pressure, producing sharp, high-relief details that captured fine textures and inscriptions. New Year's medals like this were popular Dutch traditions, exchanged as tokens of goodwill at the year's start, often featuring symbolic motifs of renewal, prosperity, or civic pride. Holtzhey's mastery shines in the medal's balanced composition and legible typography, reflecting the Enlightenment-era emphasis on craftsmanship and public commemoration. Though modest in scale, *Aanvang van het jaar 1760* offers a tangible glimpse into 18th-century Netherlands, where such objects bridged art, commerce, and social ritual. Its weighty presence invites visitors to appreciate the tactile joy of historical metalwork—hold it in your mind's eye and feel the optimism of a new decade dawning.