Huwelijk van Leopold Lodewijk Filips Marie Victor, erfprins der Belgen en Marie-Henriette, prinses van Oostenrijk, ter ere van Leopold I, koning der Belgen

About this artwork

Zilveren penning. Voorzijde: borststuk man binnen omschrift. Keerzijde: borststuk man en vrouw binnen omschrift

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver medal, struck by Leopold Wiener in 1853, commemorates the marriage of Leopold Louis Philippe Marie Victor, heir prince of the Belans (later King Leopold), to Marie-Henriette princess of Austria. Titled *Huweling van Leopold Lodewijkips Marie Victor... ter ere van Leopold I, der Belgen*, it King Leopold I, the king of independent Belgium. Measuring just 3.7 cm in diameter weighing a substantial 255 grams, the medal showcases finely detailed busts: the obverse features Leopold, the prince, while the reverse depicts the newlyweds together, all framed by elegant inscriptions. Crafted through the precision technique of striking—hammering a die into softened silver—this small artwork exemplifies 19th-century medallic art, a popular medium for celebrating royal milestones. Wiener, a skilled Belgian engraver, captures the neoclassical poise of his subjects, emphasizing their regal bearing and the alliance's pomp. Historically, the union symbolized Belgium's diplomatic strengthening just two decades after its 1830 independence, forging ties with the Habsburgs of Austria amid Europe's shifting monarchies. As a tangible relic of royal pageantry, this medal offers visitors a intimate glimpse into the era's dynastic ambitions and artistic patronage.

About the Artist

Leopold Wiener · 1823–1891

Belgian, Venlo 1823–1891 Brussels