Overwinning van Frederik II van Pruisen op de Oostenrijkers bij Praag

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**Victory of Frederick II of Prussia the Austrians at PragueCrafted in 1757 by Dutch engraver Johan George Holtzhey, this finely struck medal commemorates a pivotal moment in the Seven Years' War Frederick the Great's triumph over Austrian forces at the Battle of Prague on May 6. Measuring just 4.8 cm in diameter and weighing 32.87 grams, its compact silver form was designed for wearing or display, embodying the era's tradition of celebratory medallic art. Holtzhey, renowned for his intricate medal designs, captured the drama of military glory in a neoclassical style, blending portraiture and symbolic motifs to honor Prussian prowess. Struck medals like this one were a hallmark of 18th-century European propaganda, serving as portable tokens of national pride. The technique of striking—hammering metal between engraved dies—allowed for sharp, detailed reliefs that rivaled painting in expressiveness, making such objects accessible souvenirs of history. This piece, a gift from J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff to the collection, reflects how art immortalized Frederick's audacious campaigns, boosting morale amid Europe's grandest conflict. Today, it offers visitors a tangible glimpse into the fervor of Enlightenment-era warfare, where artistry met geopolitics in gleaming metal. (198 words)