Derde eeuwfeest van de inname van Den Briel 1872

This is a bronze medal by Salomon de Vries, commemorating the third centenary of the capture of Brielle. It was made in 1872. The medal commemorates an event from 1572, when the Watergeuzen, rebels against Spanish rule, captured the city of Brielle. This event is seen as a key moment in the Dutch struggle for independence. The imagery on the medal is revealing. On one side, we see allegorical figures representing the Netherlands. A young woman stands with a Dutch lion, symbolizing courage and strength. Next to her, an angel raises a torch, representing liberty and enlightenment. On the reverse, the Dutch coat of arms is displayed, a powerful emblem of national identity. This medal is not just a historical marker; it's a statement about national pride and identity. It invites us to reflect on how societies choose to remember and celebrate their past, and how these memories shape their present. It prompts us to consider the complex relationship between history, identity, and power.