Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher door Frederik Willem III, koning van Pruisen verheven tot vorst van Wahlstatt 1814

This bronze medal was created by Edward Thomason to commemorate Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher's elevation to Prince of Wahlstatt by Frederick William III, King of Prussia. The medal's creation involved several processes of design, die-cutting, and metalworking. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, has been used for millennia for its durability, ease of casting, and attractive color. Its reddish-brown hue, acquired over time through oxidation, speaks to the object's history. The crispness of the lettering and portrait suggests a meticulous process. The medal would have been struck from engraved dies, a skilled craft demanding precision and expertise. Medals like these acted as portable monuments, spreading awareness of notable events. In this case, the medal embodies the social and political power dynamics of the time, signifying the recognition of military achievement and solidifying the legitimacy of leadership through artistic expression. It serves as a reminder that objects, seemingly small, can carry significant cultural weight.