Uitvoering van de opera La Muette de Portici op de verjaardag van Willem I Frederik te Brussel en het uitbreken van de Belgische revolutie
Borel
1830
Medium
striking (metalworking)
Dimensions
71.13; 4.8
About this artwork
diameter 4.8 cm x weight 71.13 gr
Art Historical Context
This striking medal, created by the artist Borel in 1830, commemorates a pivotal moment in Belgian history. Measuring just 4.8 centimeters in diameter, it captures the performance of the opera *La Muette de Portici* in Brussels on the birthday of Dutch King Willem I Frederik. The opera’s stirring tale of Neapolitan revolt against foreign rule unexpectedly ignited passions in the audience, sparking riots that escalated into the Belgian Revolution and ultimately led to Belgium’s independence. As a work of struck metal, the piece exemplifies the tradition of commemorative medals used to mark sig...