Vijftigjarig huwelijk van Adriaan van Loon en Cornelia Hunthum 1706

This silver medal, commemorating the fiftieth wedding anniversary of Adriaan van Loon and Cornelia Hunthum in 1656, presents a tableau rich in enduring symbols. At its heart, we observe a flaming altar, a motif deeply rooted in both classical and Christian traditions, representing piety, sacrifice, and divine presence. The two draped figures, likely representing the couple, stand on either side of the altar. Their veiled faces are evocative of the Roman 'matrona', embodying modesty and virtue. They join hands above the altar, as if replenishing the eternal flame, a gesture that speaks to the hope for unending love and divine favor. The eternal flame has appeared throughout history, a symbol of everlasting devotion. I am reminded of the Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome, guardians of the sacred fire, and how the flame in this medal, too, speaks to the unconscious desire for continuity and permanence. This shared cultural memory, this eternal motif, underscores the power of symbols to tap into primal human emotions and aspirations, engaging viewers across centuries on a subconscious level. The symbol has resurfaced, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.