Belgium Large Silver Medal 1922 Société Générale de Belgique Centenary – By Godefroid Devreese EF+

Belgium – Société Générale de Belgique Centenary – Silver – 1922 – Godefroid Devreese

Obverse:
Allegorical seated figure of Belgium facing right, holding a sceptre and seated beside the Belgian shield. At her feet, a kneeling female figure representing the Société Générale offers the fruits of her labour and a casket inscribed “SG”. Legend around: “SOCIETE GENERALE DE BELGIQUE 1822–1922”. Signed “G. DEVREESE”.

Reverse:
Mercury seated on a tree stump by the seashore, holding a caduceus in his left hand and extending his right arm towards a radiant star. In the background, forest and industrial buildings. Latin legend around: “ET SUSCITAT ARTES IGNOTAS SOLLERS”. Signed “G. DEVREESE”.

Specifications:
Country: Belgium
Date: 1922
Subject: Centenary of the Société Générale de Belgique, 1822–1922
Medallist: Godefroid Devreese
Workshop: Jules Fonson, Brussels
Material: Silver
Weight: 126.71 g
Diameter: 75.20 mm
References: Vancraenbroeck 56; Willenz 247

Historical Context:
Founded in 1822 under King William I, the Société Générale de Belgique became one of the most important financial and industrial institutions in Belgium. This large silver centenary issue of 1922 presents the institution through allegorical imagery: Belgium receiving the fruits of industry, and Mercury representing commerce and economic expansion. The radiant star on the reverse is generally interpreted as a reference to the Congo, linking the medal to the colonial and industrial context of Belgium in the early 20th century.

Versandkosten