Overlijden van Wilhelmina Frederica Louisa, koningin der Nederlanden

About this artwork

diameter 4,1 cm x gewicht 21,73 gr

Art Historical Context

**Overlijden van Wilhelmina Frederica Louisa koningin der Nederlanden** (1837) is a poignant commemorative medal crafted by Dutch engraver David van der K (1804-1879). Measuring just 4.1 cm in diameter and weighing 21.73 grams, this petite metalwork captures a moment of national mourning. Van der Kellen, renowned for his intricate engravings and contributions to 19th-century medal art, specialized in historical and royal subjects, blending fine detail with symbolic depth. Struck using the metalworking technique of striking—where a die stamps designs into softened metal—this medal exemplifies the precision of early industrial-era minting. Produced shortly after Queen Wilhelmina Frederica Louisa's death on October 12, 1837, it honors the beloved Prussian-born consort of King William I, who had been a stabilizing figure during the Netherlands' turbulent transition from republic to kingdom. Such medals served as portable tributes, distributed to nobility and collectors to evoke shared grief and loyalty. In the context of Dutch royal iconography, this piece reflects the era's growing fascination with personalized memorials amid political upheaval, including the Belgian Revolution. Its modest scale belies its cultural weight, offering visitors a tangible link to 19th-century monarchy and the artistry of remembrance.