Engelse penning op het huwelijk van de Prince of Wales met Alexandra van Denemarken 1863 1863

Curator: Looking at this object, I’m struck by how tangible history can be. This is a bronze medal commemorating the marriage of the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, to Alexandra of Denmark in 1863. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian society and its obsession with royal events. Editor: My first thought is how surprisingly intimate it feels. It's small, worn—somehow more human than you'd expect from something tied to royalty. Almost like a well-loved charm. Curator: It’s a mass-produced item, not a bespoke piece of art, meant to circulate widely as a souvenir and affirm the monarchy's importance, and yet as we are seeing, such objects develop personalities of their own as historical witness. Editor: That’s interesting. Mass-produced intimacy, a bit of a contradiction. I see the profiles of the couple, looking very noble and a bit severe. Does the imagery tell us anything specific about their role in society at the time? Curator: Certainly. The choice of bronze, a durable material, signifies the enduring nature of the royal family and their commitment to the nation. Also, portraying both figures in profile evokes a classical tradition, linking the monarchy to notions of Roman leadership and British imperial might. The back commemorates their marriage and birthdays, an image is formed through the words, framing them in delicate flower wreaths that remind me of royal events even now. Editor: So, it's all about crafting this narrative of stability and power, using every visual cue. Do you think it succeeded? Did the people buy it? Curator: The medal was immensely popular, reflecting the public’s fascination with the royal family. These objects affirmed and propagated the symbolic power of the Crown through widespread circulation. Editor: So, it's like a royal meme from the 19th century? Disseminating images and narratives through culture? I like that comparison! I like how this charm acts as a portal. I keep picturing bustling Victorian streets, souvenir stalls, and then these newlyweds starting their life together, quite literally cast in metal for everyone to remember them. Curator: A very pertinent observation. The mass culture surrounding royalty reveals that history is constantly negotiated and reinforced via imagery and how we understand its symbolism in the present day. Editor: I agree. The interplay of intimate object and massive socio-political machine gets under my skin, gives me the feels, reminds me how important images and art are and always have been to a public, its connection to its rulers. Curator: Absolutely, and considering the long reign of Edward VII, this medal represents not just a wedding but the start of an era, mediated by and preserved in miniature.