Rustbewaarders te Leiden, penning met opschrift 'Regt door Zee' 1830

Curator: This small metal relief, dating back to 1830, is a fascinating piece. It’s titled 'Rustbewaarders te Leiden, penning met opschrift 'Regt door Zee', and was crafted by fabr. Lelyveld. Editor: It's quite austere, isn't it? Almost monochrome, with a weathered texture. There’s something about its size and material that gives it a weighted feel. Curator: Indeed. The austerity mirrors a specific time and social ethos. “Regt door Zee” – "Straight Ahead" or "Right Through the Sea” – points to the socio-political climate in Leiden during that period. Editor: The imagery seems quite symbolic. I see a lion holding what looks like a bundle of arrows on one side, and then a ship at sea on the other. Curator: Exactly! The lion is likely the Dutch Lion, a symbol of the Netherlands, suggesting national pride, even defiance. "Regt door Zee" wasn't just a motto, but a declaration, implying resilience against any obstacle. This message resonates powerfully when understanding the Netherlands’ fight for independence and commercial dominance during the 19th century. Editor: And the ship? A clear symbol of trade and exploration, but maybe something more? I'm wondering if it alludes to cultural memory of earlier explorations or battles fought on the seas. Curator: Definitely! It could be read as a visual metaphor for navigating through turbulent times, a persistent struggle with the elements, but also an unyielding spirit that drove exploration and commerce. The choice of Leiden, known for its strong merchant history, also contextualizes the artwork. Editor: So, a coin reflecting the complex intertwining of national identity, socio-economic activity and… perhaps even a quiet resistance, forged in the metal itself? Curator: Precisely! Its compact, unassuming nature hides the profound weight of the symbolism. Editor: I appreciate now the nuanced perspective this small object offers on Dutch society in the 19th Century.