Penning van de Universiteit van Franeker, met de namen van de hoogleraren en het wapen van de universiteit 1685 - 1720

This unauthored medal from the University of Franeker presents us with symbols that echo through the ages. The open book, emblazoned with "Fvnd Stat Dei Firm," meaning "It is founded firmly on God," is a powerful emblem of knowledge and divine authority. Consider how the book, a repository of wisdom, appears in various guises across epochs—from ancient Egyptian scrolls to illuminated manuscripts. It serves not just as a vessel for information, but as a sacred object, embodying the pursuit of understanding and truth. The coat-of-arms below, featuring heraldic lions, is a complex psychological assertion of power and lineage. The lion, an ancient symbol of courage and royalty, recurs in the mythologies and state emblems of countless cultures. These symbols engage us on a deep, subconscious level, evoking collective memories and cultural associations. The book reminds us of humanity’s enduring quest for knowledge, while the lions tap into primal emotions of strength and dominance. Observe how such symbols are continuously reborn, adapted, and reinterpreted, reflecting the ever-evolving interplay between our past and present.