Louis de Potter (1830) 1830

This medal of Louis de Potter was made in 1830 by Adrien Hippolyte Veyrat. The year of its making is significant as it coincides with the Belgian Revolution, which saw the country gain independence from the Netherlands. De Potter was a key figure in this movement. He was a writer and journalist who advocated for liberal reforms and Belgian independence. His writings helped to galvanize public opinion and he was seen as a national hero. The medal shows de Potter in profile, with the inscription "Né à Bruges en 1786" and the year "1830". The three stars below the year may represent the three leaders of the revolution: de Potter, Sylvain Van de Weyer, and Félix de Mérode. This medal can be understood as a piece of political propaganda, intended to celebrate de Potter and the Belgian Revolution. It reflects the social and political upheaval of the time and the desire for national independence. To understand the medal fully, one could consult historical archives, newspapers, and political pamphlets from the period. The meaning of the medal lies in its connection to the social and institutional context of its creation.