Aanvang van het jaar 1746 1745

This silver medal, crafted by Martin Holtzhey, marks the beginning of the year 1746. On one side, we observe a figure of a woman, armed with a helmet and shield, clutching a spear in her right hand. This figure harkens back to the classical motif of Roma, or the goddess Minerva, symbols of strength and wisdom. She is often featured on coins across Europe, evoking the power and virtues of the Roman Empire. The image is a study in cultural memory, echoing through centuries, from ancient sculptures to early modern coins. The Roman goddess, a beacon of civilization, appears in various forms to legitimize secular power. This continuity highlights our shared cultural subconscious, where symbols evoke profound emotional responses and shape our collective identity. Such archetypes tap into our deepest psychological layers, connecting past, present, and future in an eternal return of symbols.