2-889-233 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Schleswig-Holstein Medal, 1850. 'The...Medal represents the two great eras of Denmark's connexion with the Duchies [of Schleswig and Holstein]. On the obverse [left], that of the first establishment of the union between the two countries...On the right...is the figure of Christian I. The two female figures on the left represent the two Duchies, their close union being denoted by the sister-like embrace which unites them. The one on the right is known to be Schleswig by the lions on the banner; the one on the left to be Holstein by the nettle-leaves on the scutcheon against which she is resting; the lions and nettle-leaves being respectively the arms of the two Duchies. On the altar lies a scroll entitled the "Land's Privileges", to which Christian I. is pledging his word before a crucifix'. The reverse shows 'the struggle on the part of the Duchies for the maintenance of the conditions of that union...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.