Alfons van der Peereboom, Belgisch Minister van Staat 1866 - 1884

This small, undated medal was created by Auguste Brichaut to honor Alfons van der Peereboom, a Belgian Minister of State. Examining this piece we can ask: what values are being honored through this medal? On one side, the Chi-Rho symbol—a Christian emblem representing Christ—is prominently displayed within a shield, surrounded by stars, suggesting the importance of faith in Peereboom's life and work. The reverse depicts a tree, evoking notions of growth, stability, and rootedness, accompanied by the inscription "Als rijk buigt niet maar blijft vroom Peereboom" which translates to "As rich (kingdom) does not bow but remains pious Peereboom." The medal thus speaks to the identity of a man who is being celebrated for his moral uprightness, his religious faith, and his steadfastness in the face of worldly power. It reflects a time when personal virtue and religious conviction were considered essential qualities for those in positions of authority, offering a glimpse into the values that shaped Belgian society.