Eidgenossisches Freischiessen te Stanz in het kanton Unterwalden 1864

Gottfried Drentwett created this medal, titled "Eidgenossisches Freischiessen te Stanz in het kanton Unterwalden", during a period of significant social and political change in Switzerland. This commemorative medal encapsulates the historical and cultural values of mid-19th century Switzerland, particularly the tradition of the Freischiessen, or shooting festivals. This event was deeply intertwined with Swiss identity and nation-building. The imagery on the medal reflects a romanticized view of Swiss history, with references to William Tell, a national hero, who stands with his son. The medal can be understood as a symbolic representation of Swiss unity and strength during a period marked by political tensions and the struggle for national identity. These festivals served as a display of skill but also a reaffirmation of communal values. The medal not only commemorates a specific event but also speaks to the broader themes of nationalism, historical memory, and cultural identity in 19th-century Switzerland.