Maatschappij van Weldadigheid 1820

This medal was produced by van de Goen & Co. for the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid, or Society of Benevolence. This organization, founded in the Netherlands in 1818, aimed to alleviate poverty through a network of agricultural colonies. The medal symbolizes this mission through classical imagery. We see a figure representing Charity, offering sustenance from a cornucopia to needy children. The inscription “Aan Menschlievendheid en Vlijt” translates to “To Benevolence and Diligence,” underscoring the societal values the organization sought to promote. The Society of Benevolence was part of a broader European movement addressing poverty, but it also served to reinforce existing social hierarchies. While offering aid, the colonies enforced strict discipline and social control. To understand this medal fully, we might explore the Society's archives, examining its membership, funding, and the lived experiences of colonists. Such research reveals how art is embedded within complex social and institutional frameworks, reflecting both progressive ideals and the realities of power.