Tweede eeuwfeest van het ontzet van Groningen 1872

This bronze medal was made by Johan Philip Menger to commemorate the second centenary of the relief of Groningen. The medal has two sides, each with its own distinct imagery. One side features a female figure, likely representing the city of Groningen, holding a flag and standing next to a lion. The reverse depicts a detailed architectural monument, possibly a victory arch, surrounded by cannons and flags. The making of this medal involved a skilled tradition of metalworking, requiring careful design, precise engraving of the mold, and controlled casting of the bronze. The weight and feel of the medal give it a certain presence, signifying its importance as a commemorative object. By looking at the materials and making of this medal, we can appreciate how it operates on multiple levels; as a small token, a work of intricate craft, and a symbol of civic pride.