Erection of the Church of Laeken, 1854 (Church of St. Mary, Notre Dame), in Memory of Queen Louise d'Orleans 1854

This commemorative medal was made in 1854 by Jakob Wiener, honoring Queen Louise d'Orleans. It's struck in metal, likely silver or a silver alloy, a material chosen for its preciousness and capacity to capture fine detail. The process of striking a medal involves using hardened steel dies to impress a design onto a metal blank. This technique, refined over centuries, allowed for the mass production of detailed images, spreading the Queen's likeness and solidifying her legacy. Look closely, and you'll see the sharp, precise lines achieved through this method – a testament to the engraver's skill and the power of industrial production. The choice of metal and the mechanical process speak to the social context of the time: the rise of industrial capitalism and its impact on art. This wasn't a unique, hand-wrought object, but a manufactured item intended for wider circulation. Yet, it also embodies traditional artistic values, attesting to the intricate relief work, and a formal nod to ancient coinage. The medal encourages us to see the interconnection of materials, making, and historical context, moving beyond conventional art-historical boundaries.