Vroedschapspenning van de stad 's-Hertogenbosch 1785

This silver Vroedschapspenning, or council member coin, was crafted in 1785 by Theodorus Victor van Berckel. At its heart we see a seated female figure holding a spear: a classical representation of governance. This motif of female authority dates back to ancient times; consider the Greek goddess Athena, the embodiment of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare. The symbolic weight of the spear, then and now, conveys power and defense. The image also contains a fascinating detail: a series of books stacked to the side, a symbol for education, and knowledge. The idea of the book as a representation of erudition and remembrance has appeared for centuries and across cultures, from ancient Egyptian scrolls to medieval illuminated manuscripts. It is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The recurrence of this symbol demonstrates a powerful phenomenon: the life of images—how they carry emotional, cultural, and psychological weight across time and space.