Johannes Michiel Lageman

Johannes Michiel Lageman was a Dutch metalworker or medallist active during the politically volatile period spanning 1784 to 1787. Working in the late 18th century, his documented output consists exclusively of metalworks, specifically commemorative penningen (medals) that functioned as contemporary records of the conflicts between the Orangist and Patriot factions.

Seven of Lageman’s historically significant metalworks are represented in museum collections, confirming his role as a chronicler of the period. His pieces memorialize critical political events and military actions, focusing particularly on the activities of the armed citizen militias. Notable examples include Op de gewapende genootschappen in Nederland and Voorstel tot ontbinding van de gewapende genootschappen in Nederland, which relate directly to the national debate surrounding the Patriot armed societies.

Other documented works focus on specific skirmishes or regional defense efforts. This includes Op het gevecht aan de vaart bij Jutphaas and the detailed historical penning titled Beloningspenning in 1787 aan de schutterij van Harlingen voor het bewaken van de stad tegen de gewapende patriotten die het naburige Franeker bezet hielden.

Lageman’s metalworks are held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where they are preserved as museum-quality historical artifacts documenting the internal struggles of the Dutch Republic. As objects of historical record, the imagery from Lageman’s numismatic designs is often made available as high-quality prints or downloadable artwork for study, with much of this 18th-century material now residing within the public domain.