Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1785

Editor: So, this is the "Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch," made in 1785 by Theodorus Victor van Berckel. It's a bronze medal. It strikes me as quite formal, with these very deliberate scenes depicted on each side. How would you interpret this piece? Curator: Immediately, I see a conscious effort to imbue civic identity with classical virtues. Note the allegorical figure, possibly representing Justice or Prudence, enthroned upon stacked books, and consider the text: "AE FIRMATA VIRTUE MINORA." What values do you think that phrase suggests are crucial for governance? Editor: Maybe that strength and virtue bring about smaller, better things? And does the imagery on the other side, with the townscape under a heraldic shield held by a cloud, imply divine endorsement? Curator: Precisely. The cityscape nestled below a protective cloud, almost a divine hand offering patronage, hints at a belief in a divinely ordained social order. The inclusion of the city's emblem, held aloft, speaks to a profound pride in its identity and perhaps a call for its preservation. Does the prominence of the shield affect how you perceive the other symbols? Editor: It does! It places them in context of power and authority. It is interesting to note the city itself – the buildings look both idealized and realistic, at the same time. Curator: The ideal and real often intertwine in such imagery. Think about the tradition that civic leaders wanted to establish or reinforce. What do you see in that light? Editor: Seeing it like that helps me understand that it’s not just about documenting the present, but about constructing a narrative of lasting civic virtue, a sort of origin myth in miniature! Curator: Exactly. This work illustrates that the selection and presentation of symbols were, and still are, powerful ways to influence perception and preserve a chosen cultural memory. Editor: It is true that I came into this with limited expectation, but I learned that these objects show people embedding layers of historical significance using symbols. It adds depth to what initially seemed a standard token!