Inname van Kattenburg

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**Inname van Kattenburg is a delicate struck medal crafted by Dutch artist Johannes Michiel Lan in 1787. Measuring just 3.1 cm in diameter and weighing 9.86 grams, this small metalwork exemplifies the precision of 18th-century medal-making. Lageman, a engraver of his time, employed the striking technique—hammering a blank metal disc into a prepared die—to create finely detailed reliefs, a method prized for its ability to capture intricate designs with sharp clarity and durability. The title, translating from Dutch as "Admission to Kattenburg," likely commemorates a significant civic or guild-related event tied to Kattenburg, a historic Amsterdam neighborhood renowned for its shipyards and maritime heritage. Produced during the late Dutch Golden Age's waning years, amid political and economic shifts, such medals served as portable symbols of community pride, achievement, or membership—much like modern lapel pins but with profound historical weight. Generously donated by J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece invites us to ponder everyday artifacts of 18th-century life. Its modest scale belies its cultural resonance, offering a tangible link to Amsterdam's vibrant past. (178 words)