Inhuldiging van Willem V als markies van Veere en Vlissingen 1766

This silver medal, created by Gerrit van Moelingen in the 18th century, commemorates the inauguration of Willem V. The laurel wreath encircling Willem’s profile is a symbol dating back to ancient Greece, signifying honor and victory. Turning the medal over, we see an allegorical representation of authority and prosperity: A bundle of fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of power, is topped with a hat symbolizing liberty. These symbols do not exist in isolation. We see them echo through time. The fasces reappear during the French Revolution. These symbols, laden with the weight of history, engage us on a deep, subconscious level. The laurel wreath, adorning Willem’s profile, whispers of past glories and future expectations. The hat of liberty, a symbol of liberation. Thus, the medal becomes more than just a commemorative object. It’s a testament to the cyclical nature of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.