Zevende Nederlandsch Taal- en Letterkundig Kongres over Jacob van Maerlant te Brugge

About this artwork

diameter 5 cm x gewicht 57,32 gr

Art Historical Context

Crafted in 1862 by Belgian medallist Leopold Wiener, *Zevende Nederlandschal- en Letterkund Kongres over Jacob vanerlant te Brugge is a finely struck metal medallion, measuring 5 cm in diameter and weighing 57.32. This petite yet weighty piece commemorates the Seventh Dutch Language and Literature Congress in Bruges, Belgium honoring Jacob van Maerlant—the 13th-century Flemish poet as the "father of Dutch literature" for his epic works like *Van den lande van over see* and moralistic verses that helped standardize Middle Dutch. Wiener's expertise in striking technique shines here, a precision metalworking process where a die stamps intricate designs into softened metal, often bronze or silver, creating raised reliefs with remarkable detail and durability. Such medals were prized 19th-century artifacts, blending sculpture and numismatics to capture fleeting cultural moments in enduring form. This one reflects the rising Flemish cultural revival amid Belgium's linguistic divides, celebrating national heritage through language and letters. Today, it offers a tangible glimpse into mid-1800s intellectual fervor, reminding us how small objects can encapsulate big ideas—like the enduring power of poetry and patriotism in shaping identity.

About the Artist

Leopold Wiener · 1823–1891

Belgian, Venlo 1823–1891 Brussels