Herstel van Willem V als erfstadhouder 1787

This silver medal commemorating the Restoration of William V as hereditary stadtholder was created in 1787 by an anonymous artist. It reflects the complex dynamics of power, identity, and allegiance in the Dutch Republic during a period of political turmoil. The medal features portraits of William V and his wife, Princess Wilhelmina of Prussia. Wilhelmina, a woman of royal lineage, played a crucial role in her husband’s political life, actively participating in decision-making. The medal captures the restoration of William V’s power, which was achieved through Prussian military intervention after he was ousted by the Patriot movement. These “Patriots” sought democratic reforms and challenged the hereditary rule of the House of Orange. On the reverse side, the inscription "In the year of his recovery, anno 1787" is framed by a wreath, symbolizing victory and renewal. This imagery underscores the sense of triumph felt by the Orangists, supporters of the House of Orange, while simultaneously marginalizing the voices and aspirations of those who sought a more inclusive and representative government. The medal embodies the tensions between tradition and change, authority and resistance, capturing the zeitgeist of an era marked by profound social and political upheaval.