Honderdjarig bestaan van het Koninkrijk Pruisen 1801 1801

Daniel Friedrich Loos created this silver medal to commemorate the centenary of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1801. The medal, small in scale, is rich in symbolic and historical representations, achieved through meticulous engraving. Notice the medal’s composition: one side features a series of Prussian rulers in profile. This linear arrangement creates a sense of historical continuity and dynastic power. The profiles are rendered with a sharp realism which suggests the artists' awareness of classical traditions of portraiture. On the other side, allegorical figures and celestial beings evoke a sense of divine blessing and national glory. The contrast in textures and depths, from the smooth faces of the rulers to the dynamic folds of the allegorical figures' drapery, adds a tactile dimension to the medal, inviting closer inspection. Consider how Loos employs a visual language of power and legitimacy, reinforcing the idea of Prussia as a divinely sanctioned and historically grounded entity. The medal’s circular form, reminiscent of ancient coins, further emphasizes the timeless and enduring nature of the Prussian kingdom. The work becomes not just a commemorative object but a carefully constructed narrative, aimed at shaping perceptions of national identity and historical destiny.