Slagen bij Quatre-Bras en Waterloo, ter ere van de hertog van Wellington en Blucher 1815

This commemorative medal was made by Josef Nikolaus Lang in 1815 from cast silver. As a material, silver is precious, and the minting of coins and medals was a tightly controlled practice. The incuse lettering and figuration on this medal would have been achieved through striking: pressing the metal between two dies. The silver gives the object a feeling of permanence, in keeping with its aim to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. The production of this medal also reflects the moment’s social and political context. The images of the Duke of Wellington and Prince Blücher are on one side, with an allegorical figure of Belle Alliance on the other, together representing the allied forces who defeated Napoleon. Making and possessing this medal would have been an expression of national pride, and also a celebration of the industrial capacity necessary to produce such an object. By considering this history we see beyond its face value, and further appreciate this artifact's cultural significance.