Baron d'Hoogvorst benoemd tot generaal en chef van de burgerwacht 1831

This bronze medal, designed by Laurent Joseph Hart, commemorates Baron d'Hoogvorst's appointment. But it is the symbolic language etched into its surface that truly captures our attention. Notice the wreath encircling the inscription "Fidelité, Courage, Désintéressement," fidelity, courage, selflessness. Such wreaths, reminiscent of ancient laurel crowns, aren't merely decorative. They carry echoes of Roman triumph and civic virtue. Wreaths reappear through history, adorning victors and symbolizing ideals. Think of Renaissance paintings, where similar wreaths crown allegorical figures, embodying virtues like justice or peace. But consider, too, how these symbols morph. What was once a sign of military victory might become a marker of intellectual achievement. We see here the eternal return of symbols. They transform and adapt, reflecting our ever-changing values while reminding us of the past. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, echoing through time.