Notre Dame te Antwerpen

About this artwork

Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff

Art Historical Context

**Notre Dame te Antwerpen** is a finely crafted plaquette by Leopold Wiener, a prominent 19th-century Belgian medal known for his neoclassical precision and architectural subjects. Created in 184, this small struck metalwork piece (diameter 5 cm, weight 52.46 g) the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, a Gothic masterpiece begun in the 14th century and a symbol of the city's enduring religious and cultural heritage. Wiener's depiction likely highlights the cathedral's soaring spire and intricate facade, evoking Belgium's-independence pride during a period of national revival. The medium of striking—where a metal blank is hammered under high pressure against an engraved die—allowed Wiener to achieve remarkable detail and sharp relief on such a compact scale. This technique, rooted in Renaissance traditions but perfected in the 19th century, made medals like this both affordable art objects and portable souvenirs, popular among collectors and travelers exploring Europe's historic sites. Generously donated by J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff, this piece invites us to appreciate how everyday metalworking elevated everyday devotion into lasting artistry. A testament to Antwerp's skyline and Wiener's skill, it bridges sculpture and numismatics in our collection.

About the Artist

Leopold Wiener · 1823–1891

Belgian, Venlo 1823–1891 Brussels