Eed van Leopold van Saksen-Coburg op de constitutie 1831

This silver medal commemorates Leopold of Saxe-Coburg's oath to the Belgian constitution. On one side, a tablet evokes the articles of law to which the King swears fealty. A royal crown hovers above the tablet, suggesting how Leopold’s power must now defer to the constitution. The other side marks the date of the oath, July 21, 1831, framed by a laurel wreath, an ancient symbol of victory and honor. The inscription on the medal, "Roi des Belges," underscores the shift from absolute monarchy toward a constitutional system. The creation of this medal reflects a pivotal moment in Belgian history. Newly independent from the Netherlands, Belgium sought to establish its identity through democratic ideals. It also marked the formal foundation of a new institution, the Belgian monarchy. Understanding this medal requires diving into the archives, examining political pamphlets, and studying constitutional debates. It reminds us that art objects like these are intertwined with the social and political contexts of their time.