Opening van het tentoonstellingsgebouw van Crystal Palace te Sydenham 1862 1862

This silver medal commemorates the opening of the Crystal Palace exhibition building in Sydenham in 1862. On one side, we see a profile of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort. The other side depicts the Crystal Palace itself, an architectural marvel of iron and glass. The image of Prince Albert is a symbol of Victorian progress and innovation. His presence on the medal links the advancements showcased within the Crystal Palace to the prestige of the monarchy. The Crystal Palace can be seen as a modern day cathedral, celebrating industry. But the image also transcends its immediate context. The profile portrait, reminiscent of Roman emperors, evokes a sense of timeless authority. The depiction of the Crystal Palace, with its grand scale and innovative design, mirrors the human desire to conquer nature through engineering. This desire has roots stretching back to antiquity, with each age reimagining it in new forms. The medal embodies the Victorian era’s aspirations, echoing through history.