Aankomst van Jozef II, Duits keizer in de Oostenrijkse Nederlanden 1781

Theodorus Victor van Berckel created this silver medal to commemorate the arrival of Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor, in the Austrian Netherlands. The image offers insights into the way rulers sought to present themselves and their relationship to the territories they governed in the late 18th century. On one side, we see a profile of Joseph II, his name inscribed around the edge. On the reverse, a female figure, representing “Felicitas Belgii” or “Belgian Happiness,” holds a caduceus and a cornucopia, symbols of peace and prosperity. The medal subtly promotes the idea of a benevolent ruler bringing wealth and stability to the region. This was a period of significant social and political change. The Enlightenment ideals were challenging traditional hierarchies, and rulers like Joseph II had to carefully manage their image to maintain legitimacy. Medals like this were a form of propaganda, circulated to shape public opinion. Historical archives, including pamphlets, newspapers, and official documents, provide essential context for understanding the medal's original meaning and impact.