Oprichting van de vrijmetselaarsloge "Grand Orient" te Brussel 1832

This silver medal, commemorating the founding of the Grand Orient Masonic Lodge in Brussels, was crafted by Jean-Baptiste Clément Jouvenel. The eye is immediately drawn to its circular form, which lends itself to the allegorical depictions and Latin inscriptions that adorn its surfaces. On one side, an eagle rises amidst clouds, holding a palm branch, set against a backdrop of radiant light and architectural forms. The arrangement of elements directs our sight toward the symbolic weight carried by Masonic values. The eagle, a symbol of vision and strength, works in tandem with the radiant light. The reverse side of the medal features an inscription encircled by an emblem, further grounding the object in a discourse of enlightenment. Note how the text and image balance each other to communicate power through symbols that can be systemized into semiotic codes. Medals like this are not merely commemorative objects; they invite reflection on how societies structure themselves around shared values. Their ongoing interpretation allows for continued interrogation of power and knowledge.