Johan George Holtzhey

Johan George Holtzhey was an 18th-century Dutch medallist and engraver active in the United Provinces, with documented professional output spanning the years 1748 to 1784. His specialized metalworks focus almost exclusively on creating large commemorative medals (penningen) commissioned to mark significant political and ceremonial events related to the House of Orange-Nassau.

Holtzhey’s works serve as key historical documents, capturing crucial moments in the tenure of Stadtholders Willem IV and Willem V. His documented pieces include the 1748 Overdracht van het graafschap Culemborg aan Stadhouder Willem IV and the detailed Inhuldiging van stadhouwer Willem V. His later career continued this focus, evidenced by the 1765 Landdagpenning van Friesland op naam van prinses Carolina van Nassau-Weilburg. Other notable state commemorations documented in his oeuvre include the Intocht en verblijf van Prins Willem V met gemalin te Amsterdam and the Gedenkpenning intocht te Kampen van Prins Willem V als erfstadhouder, admiraal en kapitein-generaal der Vereenigde Nederlanden.

Nine of his significant metalworks are represented in museum collections, establishing Holtzhey's authoritative role in Dutch numismatic history. These works are primarily held by the Rijksmuseum. Given the age and nature of these pieces, detailed photographic records of his historic metal designs are often available today as downloadable artwork, allowing access to high-quality prints for study. Many of the designs created by Holtzhey are considered to be in the public domain.