Trekking van de loterij te Arnhem

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

### Trekking van de Loterij te Arnhem (1696) Crafted by Dutch medallist Jan Boskam in 1696, *Trekking van de Lij te Arnhem* is a finely struck metal medallion commemorating the lottery drawing held in Arnhem, a vibrant city in the Dutch Republic during the Golden Age. Measuring just 4.8 cm in diameter and weighing 50.39 grams, this petite artwork captures a moment of public excitement, when lotteries funded civic projects like canals, fortifications, and charities—essential in an era of trade prosperity and urban growth. The "striking" technique, involving a die-pressed metal disc, showcases Boskam's mastery of low-relief engraving, producing sharp details and a lustrous finish typical of 17th-century Dutch medal art. These medals were prized as portable souvenirs, blending artistry with historical record-keeping, much like coins but for celebratory events. Gracing museum collections through the generous gift of Mrs. J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, it offers a tangible glimpse into everyday Dutch life, where chance and community intertwined. This piece highlights the cultural role of lotteries as social spectacles, inviting us to imagine crowds gathering in Arnhem's markets, their hopes etched in enduring bronze.