De hertog van Nemours

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**De Hertog van Nemours** is a finely crafted medal struck by M. Borrel February and December 1831. Measuring just 4 cm in diameter and weighing 34.92 grams, this-scale metalwork exemplifies the precision of 19th-century numismatic art. The title, translating to "The Duke ofours," refers to Louis Charles Philippe d'Orléans (1814–1896), a prominent French royal during the July Monarchy under his father, King Louis-Philippe. Struck medals like this were popular commemorative objects, often celebrating nobility or events, blending portraiture with historical record-keeping. The "striking" technique—hammering a die onto a metal blank—allowed for intricate details and high relief, hallmarks of the era's medal-making tradition. Borrel, likely a specialized medallist, captured the Duke's likeness in a format that was both intimate and portable, ideal for collectors or as diplomatic gifts. Produced amid political turbulence in Europe, including France's shift from Bourbon restoration, such pieces served as tangible symbols of legitimacy and prestige. Generously donated by J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this artifact highlights the cross-cultural exchange of European artistry. Though modest in size, it offers a window into 1830s royal iconography and the enduring appeal of struck medals as miniature masterpieces. Visitors, imagine holding a piece of history in your palm!