Heldhaftige verdediging van de Citadel van Antwerpen door Generaal D.H. Chassé 1832 1832 - 1833

This bronze medal commemorates the brave defense of the Citadel of Antwerp by General D.H. Chassé in 1832. One side features a depiction of the star fort, a symbol that goes beyond mere architecture, carrying deep historical and psychological weight. The star fort can be traced back to the Renaissance, embodying principles of security and power. Its geometric form is not unlike the Vitruvian Man, an example of human reason imposing order on nature. As the star fort evolved, its symbolic value shifted; it became associated with resilience, standing as a bulwark against the tides of siege. Consider the laurel wreath on the reverse side, encircling the inscription, reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman customs, where wreaths signified victory and honor. The symbol appears again and again throughout history, carrying a collective memory of triumph and virtue. It resurfaces in various forms across time, attesting to the enduring human need for recognition and immortality. These symbols are charged with emotion and meaning, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and drawing them into a non-linear cyclical history.