Tekenakademie Pictura te 's-Gravenhage, penning uitgereikt als derde prijs, ter ere van Lodewijk-Napoleon, koning van Holland Possibly 1808

This silver medal, made by Wilno, was awarded as a third prize by the Tekenakademie Pictura in The Hague, honouring Louis Napoleon, King of Holland. The medal speaks to the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production in the early 19th century. The academy, an institution for artistic training, commemorates the King, highlighting the intertwined relationship between art, power, and patronage. The depiction of a seated female figure, likely an allegory for art, holding a laurel wreath symbolizes achievement within the academic setting. While the reverse side, displays the royal coat of arms. Such a prize, is a fascinating insight into the institutional history of art education, and the ways in which academies sought to align themselves with the ruling powers. To truly understand its meaning, we need to consider the socio-political context of the time, using resources such as historical records, and institutional archives. Only then can we grasp the medal's place within the complex web of art, power, and social values.