Conventie over de Schelde te Londen 1833

Editor: So, this is a bronze sculpture called "Conventie over de Schelde te Londen," made in 1833 by Laurent Joseph Hart. It looks like a coin. What jumps out at me is the emphasis on power – the crown, the name of the king... it feels very declarative. What do you see in this piece? Curator: You're right to focus on the power dynamics. Medals like this weren't just commemorative; they were tools of nation-building. Think about the historical context: 1833, just after Belgium gained independence. This medal celebrates the Convention of the Scheldt, guaranteeing free navigation of the Scheldt river. Who benefited and who was excluded from that 'freedom'? What previous agreement does this replace and how might the communities impacted by these arrangements view these declarations? Editor: I didn't think about that. So the "liberty" isn't universal. It benefits specific parties involved in trade and geopolitics? Curator: Precisely. Consider whose story is being told here, and whose is absent. It proclaims the king’s authority and the state’s power to grant liberty, but silences those impacted, those who might not see "liberation" as a positive for them. Even something that seems like an uncontested triumph requires critical analysis. Do you notice other iconographic details which re-inforce the narrative? Editor: Well, the arrangement of the stars forming a perimeter around the portrait of the King might symbolize a harmonious relationship with allies... But you’re right; understanding the power dynamics changes everything. Curator: Exactly. By questioning the narratives embedded within art, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the past and its impact on the present. This small object contains complex layers of political meaning. Editor: That's a great point. I will look at commemorative art differently going forward! Curator: Excellent. Always look beyond the surface.