Baron de Stassart, lid van de Staten-Generaal 1830

This silver medal of Baron de Stassart, member of the States-General, was made by Charles Auguste Barbier. Note the laurel wreath on the medal's reverse side. In ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was a symbol of victory, often awarded to triumphant athletes, poets, and military leaders. Over time, it has become a ubiquitous motif to signify honor, achievement, and immortality across various cultures. It appears in Roman art as a diadem worn by emperors, signaling their divine status and military prowess. This symbol experienced various transformations during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, often adorning portraits of rulers and intellectuals. It represented not only earthly power but also the divine sanction of their rule. Even today, the laurel wreath continues to resurface, evolving into logos and emblems that represent excellence and recognition in sports, academia, and the arts. Indeed, these symbols echo through time, shaping our cultural and emotional landscape in ways we often fail to recognize.