Op de bloei van kunsten en wetenschappen 1829 1829

This bronze medal was made in 1829 by Adolphe Jouvenel. It celebrates the flourishing of arts and sciences. It was made in the Netherlands, which at the time was under the reign of William I. On one side, the medal features a profile portrait of the King, reinforcing his image as a patron of progress. The other side shows an allegorical female figure, possibly representing Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, with a lion and a globe nearby as symbols of science and royalty. This medal reveals the socio-political context of the 19th century, when rulers often used art and science to legitimize their power and promote a sense of national pride. To understand such works better, historians consult archival documents, official records, and period publications. By considering the social and institutional contexts, we can gain a fuller understanding of the intentions and impact of art.