Tentoonstelling van voorwerpen van kunst en nijverheid door Friezen vervaardigd 1844 1844

This bronze medal was created by Tjeerd Keikes in 1844. Its face depicts a crowned shield bearing the image of two lions. These lions, symbols of courage, nobility, royalty, and statehood, find their roots in ancient heraldry and the bestial mythologies of antiquity. These symbolic animals aren't confined to mere national emblems; they stir something primal in us. Think of the Lion Gate at Mycenae, guarding the city, or the Nemean lion, slain by Heracles. Each appearance echoes through time. Consider also how the lion motif appears in different contexts, shifting in meaning. We see it in the Far East as the guardian lions of Buddhism. These images tap into our collective memory, arousing subconscious associations. The enduring power of the lion lies in its ability to evoke intense emotions—fear, respect, and awe—engaging us on a subconscious level. The lion, in its cyclical progression, resurfaces across cultures, evolving and taking on new meanings, yet always stirring something deep within our shared human experience.