Inhuldiging van Koningin Wilhelmina 1898 1898

This is J.A.A. Gerritsen’s silver medal, commemorating the inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina in 1898. The Dutch monarchy had important symbolic value at this time, representing the stability of the Netherlands in the face of social and political changes. The medal presents two sides of this symbolic coin. On one side is a profile portrait of Wilhelmina, capturing her youth and innocence as she ascends to the throne. On the other side, we see a representation of the Dutch Maiden, a national personification, offering the crown to the new queen, combining tradition with a sense of national progress under a young, female ruler. Wilhelmina’s inauguration occurred during a period of social and political change in the Netherlands, marked by the growth of socialist and labor movements. This medal, therefore, not only commemorates a historical event but also reflects the complex social and political context in which the monarchy operated. Medals like this are historical documents, shaped by the institutions of the state. Understanding that context requires careful research into archives and publications from the period.