Munt ter gelegenheid van jubileum koning Willem I 1838 - 1840

This is a commemorative medal celebrating King Willem I's jubilee, crafted by Jan Dam Steuerwald. Its imagery and symbolism offer a glimpse into the construction of national identity and power dynamics of the 19th century. The figure of a seated woman, likely a representation of the Netherlands, evokes classical ideals while subtly reinforcing gendered roles. The Latin inscription, "NAVY TENEBO," or "I shall hold the navy," speaks to the maritime power and colonial ambitions of the Dutch kingdom. Yet, it also reminds us of the complex and often brutal history of Dutch maritime expansion, and the human cost of these ventures, especially to those in colonized lands. The medal serves as a reminder of how symbols of national pride are often intertwined with narratives of dominance and control. It prompts us to question whose stories are being told and whose are being erased in these official representations of history.