Metalen Kruis 1830-1831 aan Vrijwilligerslint after 1832

This Metal Cross with Volunteer Ribbon dates back to 1830-1831 and its creator remains anonymous. At first glance, the cross's stark symmetry and the ribbon’s vertical stripes create a sense of order. However, the worn fabric and the medal’s tarnished surface introduce a counter-narrative of time and experience. The cross, a formal symbol of sacrifice and dedication, is here complicated by its materiality. Cast in metal, it bears the marks of age, suggesting both endurance and decay. The ribbon, with its alternating bands of colour, adds another layer, perhaps hinting at the dualities inherent in concepts like loyalty and conflict. Consider how the geometric rigidity of the cross is softened by the organic wreath encircling the royal cipher. This contrast invites contemplation on the relationship between structure and nature, order and chaos. Ultimately, this medal is not just an object of historical significance, but an artifact that prompts us to reflect on the very structures of memory and meaning.