Inwijding van het Luthers diaconiehuis te Amsterdam 1772

This silver medal was crafted by Carel Frederik Konsé to commemorate the inauguration of the Lutheran Diaconal House in Amsterdam. Dominating one side is the newly constructed building, but the other presents a far more intriguing image: a maternal figure surrounded by those in need. This arrangement echoes the ancient motif of "Caritas," or Charity, a theme that stretches back to Roman depictions of maternal benevolence. Note the bell at her feet, symbolizing the call to action, the summoning of aid. The woman, central and serene, extends aid. Such a visual language transcends its immediate context. We see echoes of this in depictions of the Virgin Mary, the ultimate symbol of nurturing and compassion, or even classical goddesses dispensing earthly riches. The potency of this iconography lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions associated with care, protection, and the alleviation of suffering. The cyclical nature of these symbols demonstrates their enduring relevance, forever resurfacing to inspire compassion across epochs.