Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prins en prinses van Oranje-Nassau 1785 - 1795

This is a small silver medal depicting Willem V and Wilhelmina van Pruisen, prince and princess of Oranje-Nassau, made by an anonymous artist. These medals were often created and distributed during times of political significance to celebrate or commemorate events. Willem V's leadership was marked by increasing political instability. Wilhelmina, a woman of strong will and intellect, often intervened in political matters, seeking to maintain the power of the House of Orange. The medal captures not only their likenesses, but also the complex dynamics of gender and power within the Dutch aristocracy. Medals like this can be seen as tools for shaping public perception. They offer a glimpse into the construction of identity and the negotiation of power during a turbulent period in Dutch history. Consider the emotional weight these objects once carried, as symbols of allegiance and hope in a changing world.