Aansporing tot waakzaamheid en eendracht 1591

This medal, Aansporing tot waakzaamheid en eendracht, which translates to "Incite to vigilance and unity", was made by Gerard van Bylaer in the late 16th century. The piece serves as a reminder of the era’s social and political turbulence, influenced by the religious conflicts and the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The imagery of a house with storks on the roof symbolizes a call for vigilance and unity. The storks nesting atop the house suggest domestic harmony. The Latin inscription, 'parate nidos, non semper erit est as,' translates to 'prepare your nests, the summer will not last forever' highlights the transience of peace. The medal serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of social harmony, urging viewers to be proactive in safeguarding their communities against external threats. In its appeal to collective vigilance, the work speaks to the human condition amidst conflict, echoing contemporary concerns about community, resilience, and the pursuit of peace.