Voorlopige vrede van Breslau

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**Voorlopige vrede van Breslau** (Provisional Peace of Breslau crafted by Dutch medalist Johan George Holtzhey between 1742 and 1756, is a finely struck silver medal measuring 4.9 cm in diameter and weighing 4062 grams. Holtzhey, renowned for his intricate metalwork during the 18th century, specialized in commemorative medals that captured pivotal historical moments with remarkable precision. This piece, generously donated by J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, exemplifies the era's tradition of using medals as portable "newspapers" to celebrate diplomacy and power shifts. The medal commemorates the 1742 Peace of Breslau, a crucial truce in the War of the Austrian Succession between Prussia's Frederick the Great and Austria's Maria Theresa. This provisional agreement saw Prussia retain control of Silesia, reshaping European alliances and fueling further conflicts until the 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. Struck medals like this one were prized for their bas-relief designs, achieved through engraving dies and high-pressure striking, which allowed for sharp details and mass production—making history accessible to collectors and the elite. As a snapshot of Enlightenment-era artistry, Holtzhey's work blends technical mastery with political symbolism, inviting us to ponder how small objects preserved grand narratives. A true gem for numismatics enthusiasts! (198 words)