Inhuldiging van Maria Theresia als gravin van Brabant en Vlaanderen 1744

This small silver coin was struck in 1744 to commemorate Maria Theresa's inauguration as Countess of Brabant and Flanders. Observe the reverse side. At the coin’s center, a pedestal supports a radiant array of flowers. Garlands and floral arrangements such as these were common symbols of celebration and abundance in the visual language of the 18th century. Yet, the symbolism of flowers extends far deeper into history. In ancient Rome, floral displays were common during triumphs. In medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings, they often signify fertility, love, or even divine blessing. The persistent recurrence of floral motifs, from ancient wreaths to this coin, reveals an underlying human desire to express joy, honor, and hope through the ephemeral beauty of nature. This impulse is deeply embedded in our collective psyche. Indeed, the enduring power of symbols lies not only in their visual form but also in their capacity to awaken our shared cultural memories and emotional responses.