Winterveldtocht in Frankrijk, inname van Parijs en verbanning van Napoleon 1815

This silver commemorative medal, made by Johann Thomas Stettner, captures two distinct scenes on its obverse and reverse. The coin’s circular form and the bas-relief technique lend a sense of classical monumentality, despite its small scale. One side features a meticulously rendered triumphal arch, inscribed with the word “Gloria” or “Glory”, which seems to symbolize victory and imperial power. The other side shows a female figure, possibly a personification of peace or victory, set against a radiant background, with rays extending outwards. The figure holds what appear to be olive branches or sheaves of wheat, symbols of peace and prosperity. The artist has skillfully used the limited space to create depth and perspective, conveying a sense of grandeur. Both sides are bordered by inscriptions, creating a closed, self-referential system of signs. The coin does not merely commemorate historical events but also embodies a visual language that speaks to the values and ideals of its time. We are left to consider the symbolic weight of this object, where form and content converge to shape collective memory.