Pelgrimstocht van Maria Elisabeth

About this artwork

diameter 3,3 cm x gewicht 12,53 gr

Art Historical Context

### Pelgrimstocht van Maria Elisabeth Crafted in 1739 by Jacques Roëttiers (II), a skilled member of a renowned dynasty of Flemish engravers and medalists *Pelgrimstocht van Maria Elisabeth* (Pilgrimage of Maria Elisabeth) is a finely struck medal exemplifying 18th-century metalworking. Measuring just 3.3 cm in diameter and weighing 12.53 grams, this petite bronze or silver piece was produced through the striking technique—where a detailed die is hammered into softened metal under immense pressure. This method allowed for intricate relief designs and sharp details, hallmarks of Roëttiers' precise, courtly style influenced by the Baroque era's ornate devotional art. The medal commemorates the pilgrimage of Maria Elisabeth, likely a figure of religious or noble significance in the Habsburg or Low Countries context, reflecting the era's deep Catholic piety. Pilgrimage medals like this served as tangible souvenirs and protective talismans, often carried by devotees on journeys to holy sites. Worn as pendants or kept in pockets, they blended artistry with spirituality, capturing personal faith amid Europe's Counter-Reformation legacy. Roëttiers' work, tied to royal commissions, underscores the medal's role in preserving historical moments through miniature sculpture. Today, this delicate artifact invites us to ponder the intimate scale of devotion—where a small struck disc holds the weight of a sacred voyage.