European Medals from 1513 to 1788
Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Amsterdam . Plaquettenpenning (Silver, 65mm, 91.07 g 12), on the death of Joost van den Vondel, attributed to J. Lutma, jr., but very likely later, 1679. Draped bust of van den Vondel facing, turned slightly to the right; around, laurel wreath entwined by a ribbon bearing the words: IOOST / VAN / DEN / VONDEL / Gest 5 Feb / 1679. Rev. Swan, with outspread wings, standing facing, singing to right; all within a laurel wreath entwined by a ribbon bearing the words: S’ Lants / Outste / en / Grootste / Poeet / Geb . 17 Nov / 1587 (= the Land’s oldest and greatest poet, born the 17th of November 1587 ). Frederiks 21/21a. TMNK 00971. Van Loon III, pp. 264-265, ii. Weiler 1223. A lovely, bold and lustrous medal with a splendid portrait. Fields with very careful contemporary polishing as usual, otherw ise , extremely fine. Ex Sincona 11, 27 May 2013, 2118. Joost van den Vondel was the most important Dutch poet and playwright of the 17th century: his plays are still performed today. He also stood for religious tolerance, especially after the judicial murder of Oldenbarnevelt in 1619: his satires against Calvinists made him quite unpopular in their circles, but his popularity among the populace protected him from retaliation.