Societe Royale la Grande Harmonie, penning geslagen ter ere van A.J.P. Cluysenaar, architect van het nieuwe gebouw 1842

This is a bronze medal by Laurent Joseph Hart, likely created in the mid-19th century. It commemorates A.J.P. Cluysenaar, the architect behind the Societe Royale la Grande Harmonie's new building. The medal offers a glimpse into the cultural values of the era, when architecture was seen as a symbol of progress and societal harmony. Cluysenaar, as the architect, would have been a figure of considerable social standing. Note how one side of the medal features a profile portrait of the architect, underscoring his individual importance and contribution to the city. The medal's other side depicts a perspective view of the building's interior, emphasizing its grandeur and the sense of space it creates. Such commemorative medals served not only to honor individuals but also to reinforce collective identities and shared values within organizations and communities. It's a reminder of how artistic expression, even in the form of a medal, can be deeply intertwined with social and cultural narratives.