Bombardement van Antwerpen

About this artwork

diameter 4.6 cm x weight 45.53 gr

Art Historical Context

**Bombardement van Antwerpen** by Dutch engraver David van derellen (1804-1879), this striking medal commemorates the Bombardment of Antwerp, a pivotal episode in the Belgian Revolution of 1830 Dated precisely from October 28 to December 31, 0, it captures the intense Dutch military response to Belgium's declaration of independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prince Frederik's forces unleashed a fierce artillery barrage on the city from November 3 onward, marking a turning point that drew international attention and accelerated diplomatic efforts toward Belgian sovereignty. Crafted through the metalworking technique of striking—where a die stamps intricate designs into a metal blank—this small yet substantial piece measures just 4.6 cm in diameter and weighs 45.53 grams, suggesting a dense material like silver or bronze. Van der Kellen, renowned for his detailed historical medals, likely rendered dramatic scenes of cannon fire and besieged fortifications on its faces, blending propaganda with artistry to evoke national pride from a Dutch viewpoint. As a tangible artifact of 19th-century conflict, the medal offers visitors a pocket-sized window into revolutionary fervor, highlighting how numismatic art preserved fleeting moments of history for posterity.