Derde eeuwfeest van de inname van Den Briel 1872

This bronze medal by Moses de Vries commemorates the third centenary of the capture of Den Briel. Note the prominent coat of arms: it features symbols of Dutch identity and sovereignty. The lion, a recurrent motif across European heraldry, signifies courage and nobility, tracing back to ancient bestiaries, while the sword and arrows grasped within its claws symbolize defense and unity. On the reverse, we see an allegory of freedom triumphing over tyranny, motifs that have been reinterpreted across centuries. Consider how the symbolism on this medal resonates with images of Roman triumphs or Renaissance allegories, where victory and virtue are personified to inspire collective identity. The act of memorializing historical events through emblems connects to humanity's deep-seated need to create meaning through symbols, perpetuating narratives across generations. This medal encapsulates a moment in time, yet its symbols reach far beyond, echoing through history, triggering our collective memory and subconscious.