Nomos 13

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, otherwise, 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.