Verbond van Gewapende Neutraliteit, tussen Rusland, Denemarken, Zweden en de Nederlanden, ter ere van Catharina II de Grote, tsarina van Rusland
Johan George Holtzhey
1780 - 1781-03
Medium
striking (metalworking)
Dimensions
42.57; 5
About this artwork
Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of 18th-century diplomacy with this striking silver medal by Dutch engraver Johan George Holhey, crafted between 1780 and March 1781. Measuring 5 cm in diameter and weighing 4257 grams, it commemorates the "Verbond van Gewapendeiteit" (League of Armed Neutrality), an alliance Russia, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. Honoring Catherine II the Great,arina of Russia—who spearheaded the pact—this finely detailed piece exemplifies Holtzhey's mastery of medal striking, a metalworking technique where high-pressure dies imprint intricate designs onto blanks, ensuring sharp reli...