Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This silver medal, made by Theodorus Victor van Berckel, commemorates the second centenary of the liberation of Vlissingen. The medal is structured around two distinct yet interconnected scenes, each employing symbolism to convey its message. One side features allegorical figures in high relief, including a central female figure holding a torch, set against a backdrop of classical drapery. The arrangement of figures and text creates a dynamic rhythm around the edges of the circular form, emphasizing themes of freedom and enlightenment. On the reverse, the monument topped with a fleur-de-lis is flanked by cityscapes rendered in lower relief. The scenes are unified through the consistent use of line and texture, which serve to organize the composition and direct the eye across the surface of the medal. The medal challenges a singular, fixed meaning, inviting viewers to interpret its symbolism within the broader context of Dutch history and national identity.
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