Leggen van de eerste steen voor het monument op de Place des Martyrs Possibly 1830

This is a bronze medal made by Adolphe Jouvenel commemorating the laying of the foundation stone for the monument on the Place des Martyrs. The medal presents a study in contrasts, where elements of classical symbolism intersect with the immediacy of civic commemoration. The monument depicted on the medal evokes a sense of solemnity, enhanced by the veiled structure and the surrounding wreath, symbols of remembrance and honor. The circular format, typical of medals, creates a contained space, focusing attention on the central imagery. The interplay of text and image is of key importance. The inscription around the perimeter, coupled with the detailed text on the reverse side, turns the medal into a vehicle of memory. This interplay asks us to reflect on how such objects function within cultural and historical contexts, mediating memory and identity. The medal's structure invites a semiotic interpretation, where each element functions as a sign, contributing to a larger narrative about national identity and sacrifice.