Overlijden van Gilles de Roy, prior van het rode klooster te Brussel 1679

This silver medal was crafted by Adriaan Waterloos to commemorate the death of Gilles de Roy, prior of the Rode Klooster in Brussels. Observe the reverse of the medal. At its heart, we find three crowns displayed prominently on a heraldic shield. This motif speaks of power and authority and divine sanction, evoking the legacy of rulers and dynasties. Note how the shield is flanked by winged figures, likely angels, and garlands of fruit. These are ancient symbols of divinity and prosperity. The fusion of royal and divine emblems speaks of the sacred nature of leadership. The crown motif transcends time and place, echoing in Byzantine mosaics, Renaissance paintings, and modern-day regalia. It appears again and again through history. Each iteration carries with it a complex web of cultural meanings, resonating deeply within the collective memory. The emotional and psychological impact of such symbols cannot be overstated: they touch on our primal desires for order, stability, and transcendence. The image before us bears testament to the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols. As it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, it is an emblem of the past. It is a visual expression of our shared human experience.