Bloemencorso te 's-Gravenhage t.g.v. de inhuldiging van Koningin Wilhelmina 1898 1898

This medal was made in 1898 by the Koninklijke Utrechtsche Fabriek van Zilverwerken van C.J. Begeer, to celebrate Queen Wilhelmina's inauguration. It's fascinating to consider Wilhelmina's unique position as a young woman ascending to power in a world largely dominated by men. How did she perceive her role, and what pressures did she face as a female monarch? On one side, the medal features a profile of Wilhelmina, while the other side depicts a flower parade in The Hague. This imagery reflects the cultural and political environment of the time, emphasizing national pride. It's also worth noting the contrast between the portrait of the Queen and the depiction of the flower parade; one is a symbol of authority, the other a display of public celebration. Consider this medal not just as a historical artifact, but as a lens through which we can examine questions of gender, power, and representation in the late 19th century. How does it make you feel to hold a piece of history that embodies so much about a particular moment in time?