Slag bij Waterloo, ter ere van Willem Frederik George Lodewijk, erfprins der Nederlanden 1815

This medal, commemorating the Battle of Waterloo, was likely made shortly after the event in 1815 by an anonymous Dutch artist. The medal celebrates Willem Frederik George Lodewijk, the Prince of Orange, and is inscribed with the words "Crown Prince of Orange" and "Holland's Glory." What does this imagery tell us about the cultural context of the time? In the Netherlands, the Battle of Waterloo was seen as a victory for the Dutch, who had fought alongside the British and other allies against Napoleon. The medal reflects this sense of national pride and celebrates the role of the Prince of Orange, who had led the Dutch troops in the battle. By examining historical archives, we can learn more about the medal's production, distribution, and reception. Medals like these served a public role, shaping collective memory and reinforcing national identity. The study of art, therefore, goes hand in hand with social and institutional history.