Omwenteling van 1795 1795

This is a small, anonymous silver medal commemorating the Batavian Revolution of 1795. This period of upheaval saw the Dutch Republic replaced by the French-backed Batavian Republic, marking a significant shift in Dutch political identity. The medal features a symbolic representation of 'Freedom', depicted as a standing woman, spear in hand, next to an altar, with the inscription 'BLYDSCHAP EN VRYHEIDT' (joy and freedom). This classical imagery, popular at the time, aimed to evoke the values of the Enlightenment and the ideals of liberty and reason that fueled the revolutionary spirit. But who experienced this 'joy and freedom'? The revolution, while advocating for equality, did not necessarily extend these principles to all. Consider the experiences of women, minorities, and the working class during this period. Did the revolution truly liberate them, or did it simply replace one form of oppression with another? This medal serves as a potent reminder of the complexities inherent in revolutionary movements. It’s a small object, yet it holds within it a vast history of hope, struggle, and the ongoing quest for true liberation.