Gereformeerde Diakonie te Amsterdam, loodje geschonken aan nieuw aangekomen diakenen en diakenessen 1741

Curator: This fascinating lead token, entitled "Gereformeerde Diakonie te Amsterdam, loodje geschonken aan nieuw aangekomen diakenen en diakenessen", was designed by Martin Holtzhey in 1741. What’s your initial impression? Editor: It’s so austere! Yet the detail, despite the monochrome, almost has a naive charm. It reminds me of peering at ancient coins, imagining the hands that held them. Curator: Yes, the material speaks. Lead tokens such as this one functioned symbolically, presented to new deacons and deaconesses of the Reformed Diaconal society in Amsterdam. Notice the carefully rendered imagery on each face. Editor: On one side, we see a woman, serene and seated with, oddly enough, a bird perched on her head! And she is with a, I guess, lamb or sheep? It all feels very… pastoral, peaceful. Is there a religious symbolism here? Curator: Undoubtedly. The allegorical figure embodies contentment and gratitude. Her posture is classical and echoes traditional representations of charity and care. The lamb serves as the embodiment of tenderness and nurture while a staff and a bird of peace highlight well-being and generosity, and they all speak to the aims of the Diakonie. Editor: The other side is much more grounded. A small table draped formally, with two rectangular objects that look like they are embossed. That’s food, right? Simple loaves, maybe? Curator: The objects are indeed loaves of bread, marked with "DIA," an abbreviation for Diakonie. Note how Holtzhey positions them; it serves not just to emphasize the charitable activities of the deacons, but more profoundly to link sustenance and care to religious duty and reward. Editor: The stark presentation underscores the essence of the deaconesses' tasks: unembellished service and profound conviction. Its impact feels both commemorative and… surprisingly moving. Curator: Agreed. Through its visual language, the token transforms mere materiality into a conduit of moral values and communal history. It offers insights into both personal spirituality and institutional memory. Editor: So, as we consider this token's original audience—fresh members stepping into their new roles—we find ourselves considering a symbolic object given to inspire a commitment to their roles in society. That’s a message still relevant today.