Geldersche Maatschappij van Landbouw 1846

This bronze medal, whose maker is now unknown, was produced in the Netherlands in 1848. Its creation speaks to the rise of agricultural societies, which gained traction during the 19th century. The medal is a symbolic celebration of agrarian progress, seen through its imagery. The front features the crowned coat of arms of Gelderland, surrounded by a wreath and the society's name. The reverse showcases a plough, an agricultural implement, set against an open field, beneath a laurel wreath, and symbolizes the tools and lands being cultivated. The establishment of the Geldersche Maatschappij van Landbouw reflects a broader European movement focused on modernizing agriculture through scientific methods and knowledge sharing. Such societies were instrumental in shaping agricultural policy, promoting innovation, and elevating the status of farming. To understand this medal, we might delve into the archives of agricultural societies, exploring their publications, membership records, and interactions with government. Such sources shed light on the changing social and economic landscape of the Netherlands and Europe during this time. The meaning of this medal, therefore, lies not just in its visual representation but in the institutional and social contexts that gave rise to its creation.