Eerste vrede van Parijs tussen Frankrijk en de geallieerden, ter ere van Alexander I, tsaar van Rusland 1814

This silver medal, commemorating the First Peace of Paris, features Alexander I, Tsar of Russia. The laurel wreath encircling the word "Peace" is the dominant symbol here. Since antiquity, victors have worn laurel wreaths, signifying triumph and honor. We see this motif repeated throughout history—from ancient Roman emperors to Renaissance paintings. Over time, however, the wreath has softened; its association moving away from military victory to representing a broader concept of peace and reconciliation, as seen here. One might consider how the collective longing for peace embeds itself subconsciously into artistic expression. The wreath, a powerful visual symbol, transcends its original context, evolving into a potent reminder of humanity's enduring hope for harmony. The recurring appearance of the laurel wreath, therefore, is not merely decorative, but a powerful force, engaging viewers with the deep, subconscious desire for serenity. It is a non-linear progression, in which the symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.