Penning met Minerva en leeuw met wapen van Leiden, 1574 1721 - 1723

This 18th-century engraving, created by an anonymous artist, depicts two medallions representing the University of Leiden. The left medallion features Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, holding a laurel wreath and a spear, standing on a lion. The Latin inscription, "PRETIUM NON VILE LABORUM PILEUS," translates to "The reward of labor is not cheap, but a laurel crown." The right medallion features the coat of arms of Leiden, a lion holding a scepter, with the Latin inscription "VIRTUTIS AVITAL PRAEMIUM ACADEMIA DONUM CONSULUM LEYDENSIUM," translating to "The eternal reward of virtue is an academy, a gift from the city council of Leiden." These engravings are a testament to the importance of education and the city's commitment to knowledge, a theme deeply resonating with the history of the University of Leiden.