Verdediging van Brussel, penning door de stad uitgereikt aan de gewapende burgerij 1815

This medal, made anonymously, was awarded by the city of Brussels to its armed citizenry. Note the shield prominently displaying an angel, a motif stretching back through antiquity. It evokes Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, bearing witness to triumphs. The shield itself serves as a symbol of defense, of course, but also becomes a stage for a deeper narrative. Consider how such imagery echoes through different eras. The angel, often associated with divine protection, has roots in ancient religious traditions, evolving over centuries. From guarding sacred spaces to embodying spiritual salvation, it is passed down through generations, taking on nuanced meanings. The repetition of such symbols isn't mere coincidence, but a conduit for collective memory, tapping into shared emotional experiences. Reflect upon the deep, almost subconscious, impact these images hold. Such motifs are not static; they are dynamic entities, constantly evolving.