Zevende Nederlandsch Taal- en Letterkundig Kongres over Jacob van Maerlant te Brugge 1862

This bronze medal, created by Leopold Wiener, commemorates the Seventh Dutch Language and Literature Congress dedicated to Jacob van Maerlant in Bruges. Notice the laurel wreath encircling the text on the reverse side. In classical antiquity, the laurel was associated with Apollo, god of music and poetry, and became a symbol of triumph and honor. We see its presence adorning emperors and poets alike, from ancient Roman busts to Renaissance portraits. However, the wreath is a symbol that continually resurfaces. Consider its appearance in funerary art, where it marks remembrance and everlasting life. Or in academic settings, signifying achievement. This evolution showcases the human tendency to adapt symbols to resonate with contemporary values, and its persistence in art reflects our deep-seated need to connect with the past while honoring progress.