Metalen Kruis 1830-1831 met blauw-geel lint after 1832

This Metal Cross was produced anonymously around 1830-1831, fabricated from metal and a woven blue and yellow ribbon. What I find interesting about this piece is the way that craft and social status converge. The cross itself is likely made from a base metal like bronze, cast in a mold. The crisp details of the lettering and decorative elements suggest a relatively sophisticated industrial process. But what really catches my eye is the ribbon. The woven fabric, with its distinctive blue and yellow stripes, speaks to the skilled labor of textile production, a craft with a long and complex history. The combination of metal and textile reflects broader social dynamics. While the metal cross signifies military honor, the ribbon adds a touch of refinement and elegance. It transforms the medal from a simple object of recognition into a symbol of prestige and status, connecting the wearer to a wider network of power and privilege. So, the next time you encounter an object like this, think about the hands that made it, and the stories it tells about society.