Verovering van de citadel van Antwerpen, ter ere van Lodewijk Filips, koning der Fransen 1832

This bronze medal, commemorating the French capture of Antwerp in 1832, was made by M. Borrel. Minted objects like this are often overlooked as sources of information, but this one tells us a lot. Consider the crisp lines of the portrait and lettering. These were achieved through the process of die-striking, where a blank metal disc is forced between two engraved dies under extreme pressure. This was an industrial process, yet it relied on the hand skills of the die engraver, and the press operator. The bronze material itself, while relatively common, speaks to a society capable of large-scale metal production. The medal’s purpose was to celebrate military triumph, and by extension, the industrial prowess that made it possible. It embodies a moment in the shift from handcraft to mechanized production. By appreciating the materials and processes used, we gain insight into the values and priorities of the time.