Tweede eeuwfeest van het uittreden van Menno Simons uit de katholieke kerk

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

This exquisite commemorative medal, titled *Tweede eeuwfeest van uittreden van Men Simons uit de katholieke kerk* (Second Centenary of the of Menno Simons from Catholic Church), was struck in 1736 by Dutchaver Martinus Holtz. Crafted to mark the 200th anniversary ofno Simons' pivotal departure from the Catholic Church in 1536—a foundational moment for the Mennonite movement—it celebrates a key figure in Anabaptist history Simons, a former priest turned radical reformer, emphasized adult baptism and pacifism, shaping Protestant dissent in the Netherlands and beyond during the Reformation era. Martinus Holtzhey, a master medalist active in 18th-century Amsterdam, employed the struck metalworking technique, using engraved dies to impress intricate designs onto metal. Measuring 5.5 cm in diameter and weighing 57.33 grams, this substantial piece exemplifies the period's fine craftsmanship, where medals served as portable, durable records of historical and religious milestones. Holtzhey's work often blended Baroque detail with emblematic symbolism, making such objects both art and artifact. A generous gift to the collection from Mrs. J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this medal offers visitors a tangible link to Dutch religious heritage, highlighting how communities preserved their identity through enduring metalwork.