Oeconomische Tak van de Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen

About this artwork

thickness 0.4 cm x diameter 3.4 cm x weight 32.54 gr

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our virtual museum exhibit! Behold *Oeconomische Tak van Hollandsche Maatschapp der Wetenschappen* (Economic Branch of the Holland Society Sciences), a finely crafted struck medal by Johann Heinrich Schepp from1785. Measuring just 0.4 cm thick, 3.4 cm in diameter, and 32.54 grams, this petite metalwork exemplifies 18th-century precision in numismatics and medallic art. Created for the prestigious Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wet—founded in 1752 in Haarlem, Netherlands—this medal honors the society's "Oeconomische Tak," a branch focused on economics, agriculture, and practical sciences during the Enlightenment era. Schepp, a skilled German medalist, captured the intellectual fervor of the time, when such awards celebrated advancements in "oeconomie" (household management and national prosperity), blending scholarship with tangible prestige. The striking technique—hammering a die onto a metal blank—allowed for intricate, high-relief designs that endured handling and display. This artwork not only showcases Schepp's mastery of metalworking but also serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting Dutch society's commitment to empirical knowledge amid the late 18th-century push for progress. A delightful glimpse into history's smaller treasures!