Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1739

Theodorus Everardus van Berckel created this silver Vroedschapspenning, or council medal, of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch around 1732. These types of medals were typically commissioned by city councils to commemorate important events, or to be gifted to dignitaries. The imagery and symbolism can offer insights into the values and priorities of the ruling class. Here, on one side, we see a female personification of the city, with the Latin inscription "Agunt in Pace," meaning "They act in Peace." On the other side is an image of the town hall, with the inscription "Hanc Tuemur," meaning "We protect this." These phrases and images can communicate power, stability, and civic pride, but it's important to remember that they represent a specific viewpoint. Who is included in this vision of peace and protection? Whose stories are left out of this narrative? Think about whose voices are not represented on this medal.