Hendrik Karel Nicolaas van der Noot 1789 - 1790

This is a silver medal portraying Hendrik Karel Nicolaas van der Noot, and it was created by an anonymous artist. Van der Noot was a key figure in the Brabant Revolution in the late 1780s, a time of political upheaval in the Austrian Netherlands. Consider the medal's creation within the context of revolution and resistance. This medal was likely produced and worn by van der Noot’s supporters. This object embodies the socio-political tensions of its time. Van der Noot sought to challenge and overthrow the existing power structures which makes this piece of metal, this representation of the man, more than a mere portrait. It is a symbol of rebellion, a statement of identity, and a call for change. It captures a moment of intense political and social change, reflecting the complexities of identity, resistance, and power.