Concours van de lagere scholen in de provincie Antwerpen 1840

This bronze medal was designed by Laurent Joseph Hart, likely around the mid-19th century. It commemorates a competition among primary schools in the province of Antwerp. The imagery on the medal offers a glimpse into the values that the Belgian educational system sought to instill. On one side, we see a seated allegorical female figure, perhaps representing wisdom or knowledge. She gestures outwards, suggesting the dissemination of learning, while symbols of the arts and sciences surround her. The medal's other side depicts books, writing implements, and an oil lamp, all classical symbols of learning, framed by a laurel wreath. Considered in its historical context, this medal speaks to the growing emphasis on public education in 19th-century Europe. Researchers can consult school archives, government reports, and period newspapers to understand the curriculum. These institutions aimed to cultivate not just skilled workers, but also patriotic citizens.