Tweehonderdste verjaardag van de bevrijding van West-Friesland 1772

This is a silver medal by Theodorus Victor van Berckel, commemorating the bicentennial of the liberation of West Friesland. It depicts allegorical figures that speak to the period’s complex relationship with freedom and governance. On one side, a winged female figure, symbolizing Liberty, holds a staff topped with a Phrygian cap – a symbol of freedom and revolution. On the other side, we see another female figure, possibly representing West Friesland, who seems to be receiving something from a divine figure seated above her. The medal comes from a time of significant political and social change. The Dutch Republic was grappling with internal divisions and external pressures, leading to the rise of Patriot movements advocating for greater democratic participation. The imagery on the medal can be read as a reflection of these desires for liberation and self-determination. However, it's important to note that the concept of freedom in the 18th century was often limited by class and social status. While the medal celebrates liberation, it also reflects the existing power structures.