Gerard van Loon, ter ere van de voltooiing van zijn werk over de penningkunde 1731

This silver medal, created by Martin Holtzhey, commemorates Gerard van Loon's work on numismatics. The medal's structure is divided into two distinct sides. The first presents a high-relief portrait of van Loon himself, encircled by meticulously engraved text. The density of the curls in his wig and the folds of his clothing contrast with the smooth surface of the medal, creating a dynamic visual tension. The opposite side features an allegorical scene with a tower ablaze, surrounded by objects of scholarly pursuit. Here, the artist uses a semiotic language common in commemorative art. The flaming tower may symbolize enlightenment or knowledge, while the surrounding objects likely allude to van Loon's numismatic studies. The circular form of the medal acts as a unifying structure, containing these symbolic elements within a defined space. Ultimately, this medal serves not only as a tribute but also as a microcosm of van Loon's intellectual world, encapsulating his contributions through carefully chosen symbols and a structured composition.