Vijftigjarige herdenking van de slag bij Waterloo, ter ere van Wellington, Willem II en Blucher 1865

This commemorative medal, crafted by an anonymous artist, marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The medal's circular form invites a structural reading of its divided space. On one side, heraldic symbols are encircled by text, creating a layered composition that speaks to national identity and historical narrative. The relief is shallow, and the material texture introduces a tactile dimension, inviting close inspection and a sensory experience of history. Turning to the reverse, a neoclassical monument dominates, flanked by flags and military accoutrements. The arrangement presents a constructed vision of victory and remembrance. The inscription 'WATERLOO' curves above, framing the scene and reinforcing its significance. The dates 1815 and 1865 anchor the event within a temporal structure, signifying both the battle and its commemoration. In its totality, the medal functions as a signifier of power, memory, and national pride. Its form and imagery are not merely representational, but constitute a symbolic language encoding cultural values. This small object encapsulates a complex interplay of history, representation, and material presence.