Stadhuis te Gent

About this artwork

diameter 5 cm x gewicht 52,7 gr

Art Historical Context

**Stadhuis te Gent** a finely crafted medal by Belgian artist Jacob Wiener, created in 1851 through the metalworking technique of striking. just 5 cm in diameter and weighing 52.7 grams, this small yet intricate piece captures the iconic Gothic facade of Ghent's City Hall (Stadhuis a landmark in the heart of this historic Flemish city. Wiener, a renowned 19th-century engraver medalist, specialized in commemorative works, blending craftsmanship with architectural reverence. striking process—where a blank is pressed between engraved dies under high pressure—allowed Wiener to achieve remarkable detail in the's relief, from the ornate gables and towers of the Stadhuis to intricate stonework. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, Ghent's Town Hall symbolized civic pride during Belgium's burgeoning industrial age, and medals like this one served as portable tokens of cultural heritage. This artwork highlights the 19th-century fascination with medallic art as a democratic medium, making grand architecture accessible to collectors and tourists. Wiener's piece invites us to appreciate Ghent's enduring legacy, frozen in enduring bronze or silver, a testament to Belgium's rich artistic tradition in miniature form.

About the Artist

Jacob Wiener · 1815–1899

Jacob Wiener (1815–1899), also known as Jacques Wiener, was a Belgian medallist and engraver of exceptional skill whose work left an indelible mark on 19th-century European numismatic art. Born on February 27, 1815, in Hoerstgen (in present-day Germany), Wiener would become one of Belgium's most distinguished engravers, contributing significantly to the young nation's cultural identity through his...