Aanvang van 1745, op de hoop dat de oorlog dit jaar beeindigd wordt 1744

The silver medal "Aanvang van 1745, op de hoop dat de oorlog dit jaar beeindigd wordt," created by Martin Holtzhey in 1744, showcases a symbolic representation of peace. On one side, the Dutch Republic is personified as a female figure seated on a throne, while the other side depicts a hand emerging from a cloud, closing a temple gate. The inscription "1745" and the Latin phrase "Clau[dantur] belli portae," meaning "May the gates of war be closed," signify the hope for a swift end to the ongoing conflict. This small but impactful artwork exemplifies the desires for peace during a turbulent era.