Marriage of Pedro V, King of Portugal (1837–1861) and Stephanie, Queen of Portugal (1837–1859) 1858

This silver medal depicting Pedro V and Stephanie of Portugal was made by Leopold Wiener, likely around the time of their marriage. Its very form evokes the tradition of Roman coinage, associating the Portuguese monarchy with an ancient lineage of power. Medals like this served a clear function: the dissemination of royal imagery. Note how Pedro and Stephanie are presented in profile, their features idealized and their status emphasized. This wasn't just a portrait; it was carefully crafted propaganda, intended to project an image of strength and stability for the monarchy. To fully understand this medal, we need to delve into the history of Portugal during this period: what were the political challenges facing the monarchy? What role did visual imagery play in maintaining its authority? These are the questions that social historians of art pursue, using sources like newspapers, political pamphlets, and institutional records to illuminate the power dynamics at play.