Vijfentwintigjarig regeringsjubileum van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden 1874

This bronze medal, commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the reign of Willem III, King of the Netherlands, was made by Edouard Louis Geerts. Medals like these were designed not just to celebrate the monarch but also to communicate a particular image of the monarchy to the public. We see this in the detailed portrait of Willem III, designed to project an image of strength and stability. The inscriptions on the medal, such as "It was peace in his days," reinforce this message, associating Willem III's reign with a period of national prosperity and stability. Made in 1874, this medal reflects the cultural and political context of the Netherlands at the time. The late 19th century was a period of significant social and economic change, with growing calls for democratic reform. Commemorative objects like these can offer us insights into the way the monarchy sought to legitimize its power and appeal to national sentiment. To truly understand such an object, historians might consult archives, newspapers, and other printed sources from the period to understand the medal's reception and impact on public opinion. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.