Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1785

Theodorus Victor van Berckel created this bronze Vroedschapspenning, or council penny, of the city of 's-Hertogenbosch. Its imagery speaks to how cities of the Dutch Republic, like 's-Hertogenbosch, visualized themselves and their authority. On one side, we see a view of the city, complete with fortifications and windmills. Above it, a hand emerges from the clouds holding the city's coat of arms, suggesting divine protection and endorsement of its power. The Latin inscription reads "For the senate and people of 's-Hertogenbosch." The reverse side depicts a female figure, likely an allegorical representation of Justice or Wisdom, seated with books, symbolizing knowledge and law, with the inscription “That the future shall not undermine what is established.” These coins were likely commissioned by the city council to commemorate important events or to be given as gifts to visiting dignitaries, reinforcing their political power. By examining the imagery and inscriptions on objects like this, along with archival records of the city, we can better understand the values and self-image of the Dutch Republic's urban centers during this period.