Verdediging van Brussel, penning door de stad uitgereikt aan de gewapende burgerij 1815

This medal, the "Defense of Brussels," was awarded to the armed citizens of the city by an anonymous artist. Though unsigned, the work offers a glimpse into the socio-political climate of Belgium during a period of national identity formation. The medal commemorates the defense of Brussels, a pivotal event in the Belgian Revolution of 1830, when the city's citizens rose up against the rule of William I of the Netherlands. These armed citizens, drawn from various social strata, embodied a unified front against foreign rule. Their courage became a symbol of national pride and resistance. The medal isn't just an object; it is a symbol of the collective identity forged through conflict, sacrifice, and the shared aspiration for self-determination. It reminds us of the courage of ordinary individuals who shaped the course of history.