Medaille aangeboden aan Charles de Brouckère 1854 - 1864

This medal was designed by Joseph-Pierre Braemt, a Belgian medalist, but we don't know exactly when. It commemorates Charles de Brouckère, who was the mayor of Brussels during a time of significant social and political change in Belgium. Medals like this served a public role, celebrating civic leaders and reinforcing particular values. Here, we see Brouckère’s profile, a common visual code for honouring individuals. On the reverse, Saint Michael slaying a dragon symbolizes Brouckère’s triumph over adversity, perhaps referencing the challenges of governing during a period of national upheaval, after the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The medal was offered by the residents of the capital to their magistrate. Understanding this artwork requires historical research, delving into the social conditions of 19th-century Belgium and the institutional history of civic governance. By examining such resources, we can better understand the meaning of this medal.