Birkop Balles Medalje 1797

Gerhard Ludvig Lahde created this print of Birkop Balles Medalje in 1793. The print reflects the cultural and political context of late 18th-century Denmark, a period marked by religious and political reform. The medal portrays Nicolai Edinger Balle, a prominent bishop in the Church of Denmark. The imagery intertwines religious authority with state power. The upper medallion features a profile of Balle, while the lower one depicts a figure holding a cross and bible, juxtaposed with a ship, symbolizing the intertwined relationship between religion and the state. The inscription "Religionens Ven, Statens Ven" – Friend of Religion, Friend of the State – underscores this relationship. The medal was created in a time of enlightenment ideals, and suggests the negotiation of religious belief with the state. It prompts us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of faith, belief, and their impact on society.