Instelling van het Metalen Kruis, ter ere van Willem, kroonprins der Nederlanden. 1831

Johannes Petrus Schouberg created this metal medal to honor Willem, crownprince of the Netherlands. As a symbol of power and recognition, the medal encapsulates the complex interplay between individual identity and national pride. Willem, depicted in profile, represents Dutch royalty and the expectations associated with his lineage. But what happens when the narratives of a nation become intertwined with the personal experiences of its leaders? Medals like these were often given to soldiers. It's worth thinking about who was left out of this narrative of Dutch bravery and sacrifice. How does the creation of such a medal shape the identity of a nation, determining who belongs and who remains on the margins? Consider this medal as an artifact that stirs questions about the emotional weight of symbols and the stories they carry.