Notre Dame te Antwerpen 1845

This bronze medal depicting the Notre Dame of Antwerp was created by Leopold Wiener in the 19th century. Wiener, as a Jewish artist in Europe, navigated a complex social landscape, where religious identity often intersected with artistic expression. The medal presents two distinct views: the exterior facade and the interior nave of the cathedral. On one side, the architectural might of the cathedral looms, surrounded by inscriptions. On the other, the interior reveals a seemingly endless colonnade, drawing the eye into the cathedral's depths. Cathedrals such as Notre Dame, were potent symbols of cultural identity, deeply intertwined with narratives of faith, community, and power. Wiener’s choice to represent both the exterior and interior invites reflection on the cathedral’s dual role as a public monument and a private spiritual space. How might Wiener, as an artist of Jewish faith, engage with the representation of a Christian cathedral? What dialogues emerge from the juxtaposition of exterior grandeur and interior reflection? This medal encourages us to consider the intricate ways in which architecture embodies collective memory and personal experience, and to reflect on how our identities shape our perception of such spaces.