Norbertus Petrus van den Berg president van de Nederlandsche Bank 1889 1889

This bronze medal portraying Norbertus Petrus van den Berg, president of the Dutch Central Bank, was created in 1889 by J. and L. Wiener. This piece exists at the intersection of finance, politics, and art. In the late 19th century, the Netherlands was consolidating its economic power, and the Dutch Central Bank played a crucial role in this process. Medals like this one served to celebrate and legitimize the individuals who shaped these institutions. The portrait of Van den Berg, with its classical style, evokes the visual codes of Roman emperors, associating him with power and authority. The inscription on the reverse, surrounded by a laurel wreath, further enhances the sense of honor and accomplishment. To fully understand this medal, we can consult archival documents from the Dutch Central Bank, biographical accounts of Van den Berg, and studies of the Wiener brothers' artistic production. In doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of how economic and political power are symbolized and commemorated through art.