Bombardement van Antwerpen door Generaal Chassé 1830 1830

This bronze medal, made in 1830 by David van der Kellen, depicts General Chassé and commemorates the bombardment of Antwerp. The medal's symbolism extends beyond mere historical record; it’s a potent image laden with martial authority, encapsulated in Chassé’s stern visage and military attire. Consider the wreath encircling the inscription on the medal’s reverse. This symbol, ubiquitous in ancient Greece and Rome, signified victory and honor. Here, it frames an act of destruction. This juxtaposition reveals the complex relationship between triumph and violence. From antiquity to contemporary use, wreaths have adorned victors, yet their presence on this medal reminds us that such honors are often rooted in conflict. The classical motif undergoes a haunting transformation, echoing in later war memorials and propaganda. What remains constant is the psychological power of symbols to shape collective memory. The medal becomes a tangible record of trauma, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level with both reverence and horror.