Openen van de rijschool te Utrecht

About this artwork

koper

Art Historical Context

**Openen van deschool te Utrecht (1705)** Craft by Dutch medalist Nicolas in 1705, this medal commemorates the grand of Utrecht's riding school or *rijschool*. Measuring just 4.8 cm in diameter and weighing 45.64 grams, it captures a moment of civic pride in the Netherlands during the early 18th century. Riding schools were vital hubs for equestrian training, blending military preparation with cultural display in a prosperous Dutch Republic still basking in the afterglow of its Golden Age. Chevalier's work likely features intricate relief imagery of the event, symbolizing community achievement and local heritage. Produced through the striking technique—a precise metalworking method where a die is hammered into a blank copper disc—this medal exemplifies the artistry of small-scale sculpture. Copper's affordability allowed wider distribution as souvenirs or collectibles, while its warm patina enhances the detailed engravings over time. Chevalier's skill in capturing dynamic scenes on such a intimate scale highlights the technical mastery of Dutch medal-making, bridging fine art and historical documentation for everyday audiences. A delightful pocket-sized relic, it invites us to envision Utrecht's bustling streets alive with celebration.

About the Artist

Nicolas Chevalier · 1828–1902

Born in May 1828 of a Swiss father and a Russian mother. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des peintres (1976) mentions that Chevalier left Saint Petersburg, Russia, for Lausanne, Switzerland, at the age of 17; Thieme-Becker mentions that from 1845 he was living in Lausanne.