Tag: Belgium

The patagon

Perhaps on Newyear’s Day, after having read out loud your letter with Season’s greetings, you have received a currant loaf or other type of sweet bread, which is called ‘zoetekoek’, ‘krolleman’ or kramiek’ in several regions of Flanders. Some of these delicious breads are decorated with a painted clay pipe disk. Not only these party breads but also the disks are known by different names such as ‘patacon’, ‘schild’ (shield or ecu), ‘maan’ (moon), ‘rondelle’ (slice), …

Friday May 11th, 2007 – 01:49 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged | Comments Off

The Belga

Let’s have a look at this ingenious banknote. Its designer is Constant Montald (1862-1944), a symbolistic artist, who created this banknote in 1929.

Sunday March 11th, 2007 – 01:54 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Comments Off

An Antwerp double ducaton issued by Albrecht and Isabella (1618)

The 17th century got off to an auspicious start for the Antwerp mint. Following the death of Philip II, the Southern Netherlands came into the hands of Philip’s daughter Isabella and her fiancé and later husband, the Austrian Archduke Albrecht.

Monday September 11th, 2006 – 02:15 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , | Comments Off

Henri Beyaert (1823-1894)

Henri Beyaert was one of the most influential architects that Belgium has ever known. With prestigious projects such as the Petit Sablon park and the Concert Noble in Brussels or Tournai station, he became decidedly famous. However, the reason for this portrait lies in his designs for the National Bank, especially the Bank’s Hotel in Brussels, the building in which the museum is housed, and the Antwerp branch of the Bank, depicted next to him on the banknote.

Tuesday July 11th, 2006 – 02:20 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , , | Comments Off

A fleur-de-Lys in Brabant?

We take a closer look at a coin issued by Henry I, Duke of Brabant (1190-1235). The obverse depicts the head and shoulders of the Duke of Brabant bearing arms, with his helmet, double-edged sword and lion shield. The lion, a symbol of power displayed on the weapons of the dukes of Brabant from the reign of Henry I, also appears on the reverse. An unusual feature of this silver coin weighing 0.81 grams is the fleur-de-lys adorning the duke’s helmet.

Sunday June 11th, 2006 – 02:23 PM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , | Comments Off