Negenendertigjarig bestaan van de Societe Royale de Numismatique de Belgique, ter ere van de voorzitter Renier Chalon 1880

Editor: So, this commemorative medal, crafted by Henri Charles Wurden in 1880, celebrates the thirty-ninth anniversary of the Royal Numismatic Society of Belgium. I am immediately struck by the duality – the stern portrait on one side, the list of names encircled by a laurel wreath on the other. What stands out to you when you see it? Curator: Oh, where to begin with this intriguing piece of metal history? For me, it's about legacy, right? It's a physical embodiment of remembrance. Notice how Renier Chalon’s profile is rendered –almost classical in its stoic depiction, but softened somehow, by those flowing whiskers! Editor: Yes! Almost like it is softening the edges of officialdom, literally! And I imagine the weight of the metal contributes to the sense of gravitas... Curator: Absolutely. Think about it: This isn't just art, it’s a time capsule. Each name etched on its surface represents a person who shaped the society. You get this whisper of lives intertwined with a shared passion, numismatics... it makes me wonder, what stories did these coin enthusiasts share over strong Belgian coffee, I wonder? Editor: And what makes a medal, specifically, the best way to mark that history? Is it the idea of being something distributed or circulated amongst its members? Curator: Precisely! It's about tangible connection. Unlike a painting tucked away, a medal is shared, displayed, passed down—a miniature monument moving through time. Does it change the way you read the work? Editor: It does – from static object to a thing in motion. A small reward and piece of belonging. It really shifts the meaning, I will think about this more from now on. Thank you. Curator: The pleasure is mine! Every piece invites you into this incredible time-travelling experience. Keep searching!