Tweehonderdste verjaardag van het ontzet van Leiden

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

Celebrate a pivotal moment in Dutch history with *Tweehonderdstejaardag van hetzet van Leiden* (Two Hundredth Anniversary of Relief of Leiden), a struck medal crafted by Theodorus Victor van Berckel in 1774. This small treasure, measuring just 2.7 cm in diameter and weighing 631 grams, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the1574 Relief of Leiden—a triumphant event during the Eighty Years' War when Dutch forces broke the Spanish siege, lifting starvation and despair from the city. Such medals were popular in the 18th century as wearable symbols of national pride, blending patriotism with personal commemoration. Van Berckel, a skilled Dutch medallist, employed the striking technique, where a metal blank is pressed between engraved dies under immense pressure to create intricate, raised designs. This method allowed for fine details on both obverse and reverse, capturing heroic scenes or inscriptions that evoked the legendary "Hutspot" feast following the relief. As a metalwork artifact, it highlights the era's mastery of miniature sculpture, bridging art and history in a tangible form. Generously donated by Mrs. J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece invites us to reflect on Leiden's enduring spirit of resilience, a cornerstone of Dutch identity. Hold it close and feel the echoes of victory from two centuries past.