Stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1815 - 1875

This silver medal commemorating the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch was made by C. van Gemert. These kinds of objects were often created to mark important historical or political events. The images that have been chosen for this coin – coats of arms, crowned lions and classically-posed figures – give it a very particular cultural and political meaning. ‘s-Hertogenbosch is a city in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands. Looking into the history of this region, and its relationship to the Dutch monarchy, is crucial for understanding the message the maker of this object was trying to communicate. Were they trying to express loyalty to a particular regime? Were they making a statement about regional identity? Historians consult a range of documentary resources to understand the social context in which artworks are made and circulated. Considering the political and institutional setting is crucial for understanding its meaning.