Inhuldiging van Willem I Frederik als koning der Nederlanden te Brussel

About this artwork

Schenking van mevrouw J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

Behold this exquisite commemorative medal, *Inhuldiging van I Frederik als koning deren te Brussel* (auguration of William I as King of the Netherlands Brussels), struck in 1815 by skilled medallist Pierre Waut van de Goor. Crafted just after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, it celebrates a pivotal moment: the proclamation of William I as sovereign of the newly formed United Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch and Belgian territories under one crown in Brussels. This union symbolized post-Napoleonic stability and emerging national identity, though it would dissolve amid the Belgian Revolution of 1830. Measuring a modest 2.3 cm in diameter and weighing 6.51 grams, the medal exemplifies the art of striking—a precise metalworking technique where high-pressure dies imprint intricate designs on thin metal blanks, often silver or bronze. Wautier van de Goor's craftsmanship captures the grandeur of the ceremony in fine detail, making these tiny objects powerful emblems of history, collectible by enthusiasts and worn as lapel pins or kept as heirlooms. Generously donated by Mrs. J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece invites us to ponder how small artifacts preserve grand narratives, bridging Europe's turbulent early 19th-century politics with enduring artistic tradition.