Algemene bewapening in de noordelijke Nederlanden, ter ere van Willem IFrederik, koning der Nederlanden 1831

This silver medal commemorating the general arming in the northern Netherlands, was created by David van der Kellen. The medal emerges from a period defined by a surge of nationalism following the Napoleonic Wars. Consider how King William I, depicted in profile on one side, sought to consolidate power and national identity. But, this narrative of unity obscures regional tensions and socio-economic disparities. The imagery of the armed figure on the reverse is an idealized, martial strength. It serves as a reminder of the gendered nature of power, with military might and national defense often coded as masculine domains, while simultaneously reflecting the emotional appeal to collective identity and security in a time of political change.