Aanvang van het jaar 1761
Medium
striking (metalworking)
Dimensions
28.61; 4.5
About this artwork
Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff
Art Historical Context
Welcome to this delicate treasure from the 18th-century Netherlands: *Aanvang van het jaar 1* ("Beginning of the Year 176"), a struck medal crafted by Johan George Holtz in 1761. just 4.5 cm in diameter weighing 28.61, this small silver-like object exemplifies the Dutch tradition of New Year's medals—intimate gifts exchanged to mark the fresh start of the calendar year. Holtzhey, a masteraver active in Amsterdam, was renowned his precise work in medal-making, blending Rococo elegance with commemorative flair. The medium of "striking"—hammering a hardened steel die onto a soft metal blank—allo...