Tekenakademie Pictura te 's-Gravenhage, penning uitgereikt als eerste en tweede prijs 1780

This silver prize medal was made by Johann Conrad Marmé for the Tekenakademie Pictura in The Hague. The medal presents a circular composition divided into two distinct faces. One side is adorned with allegorical figures set amongst clouds; a female figure pours water, possibly representing inspiration or knowledge, onto a youth, symbolizing artistic talent being nurtured. This is contrasted by the reverse side, which features a structured, linear arrangement of text. The text details the academy's name and purpose, celebrating achievement in drawing. The contrast between the fluid, figurative scene and the rigid, textual layout is a key formal element. This contrast highlights the interplay between artistic creativity and academic discipline. The classical allegorical figures evoke a sense of timelessness, while the inscription firmly roots the medal within a specific institutional context. It speaks to the academy's role in codifying and promoting artistic excellence within a particular cultural framework.