Overlijden van de schilder Jan Willem Pieneman 1853

This bronze medal, "Overlijden van de schilder Jan Willem Pieneman," was created by Johan Philip van der Kellen to commemorate the death of painter Jan Willem Pieneman. The work reflects the societal norms of the 19th century Netherlands, particularly the public mourning of prominent figures. Pieneman was known for his history paintings, many of which depicted scenes of national pride and military achievements. The imagery on the medal reflects the cultural values and artistic conventions of the time. The figure on the reverse appears to represent grief, and is presented in line with classical allegorical traditions. Consider how commemorative objects such as this serve not only to remember individuals, but also to reinforce collective identities and values. How does this medal contribute to a sense of national identity and historical consciousness?