Overlijden van Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol

About this artwork

diameter 3,9 cm x gewicht 17,76 gr

Art Historical Context

This exquisite struck medal, titled *Overlijden van Joan Derk der Capellen tot den* (Death of Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol was crafted by Dutch medalist Johannes Michiel Lan in 1784. Measuring just 3.9 cm in diameter and weighing 17.76 grams, it exemplifies the precision of 18th-century metalworking, where molten metal is struck under high pressure into detailed dies to create intricate reliefs. Such small-scale commemorative pieces were prized collectibles, blending artistry with historical documentation. The medal honors Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, a nobleman and leading figure in the Dutch Patriot movement of the 1780s. A vocal critic of Stadtholder William V's policies, van der Capellen championed democratic reforms and inspired widespread unrest against perceived corruption. His sudden death in 1784 elevated him to martyr status among Patriots, making this medal a poignant tribute amid rising political tensions that foreshadowed the Batavian Revolution. Lageman's work reflects the neoclassical precision of Enlightenment-era medal art, capturing solemn portraits and symbolic motifs on both obverse and reverse. As a tangible relic of revolutionary fervor, it offers visitors a intimate glimpse into Dutch history's turbulent patriot era.