J. van den Berg, stoker op het schip Cerberus, penning ontvangen wegens het redden van een drenkeling, ter ere van Willem II, koning der Nederlanden 1843

This silver medal was designed by Johannes Petrus Schouberg to commemorate an act of bravery. The medal refers to a man named J. van den Berg, a stoker on the ship Cerberus, who saved someone from drowning. The medal also honors King Willem II of the Netherlands, whose portrait appears on one side. It's not surprising that a royal figure would be associated with acts of civic virtue. Royal patronage was crucial for institutions like maritime services at this time. The Netherlands had a long history of naval power and seafaring trade, which were closely linked to the nation's economic and political fortunes. Notice how the image of the King and the inscription that credits Van den Berg's act of heroism are framed by laurel wreaths, a classical reference to the glory of Rome. Studying the social and economic history of the Netherlands at the time this medal was made can help us understand the relationship between maritime industries, the monarchy, and the common people.