Genootschap tot verdediging van den Christelijken Godsdienst, penning toegekend aan Allard Hulshoff 1791

Editor: This striking medal, from 1791, is titled "Genootschap tot verdediging van den Christelijken Godsdienst, penning toegekend aan Allard Hulshoff," made by Johan George Holtzhey. It's a detailed Neoclassical relief in metal. The imagery feels so potent—what do you make of it? Curator: Notice how Holtzhey uses symbols of resilience and faith. The standing figure with a shield embodies the church defending its beliefs. Observe the all-seeing eye emanating light, often interpreted as divine providence. The burning arrows convey attacks that the church resists, whereas the anchor suggests stability. Consider how such symbolism resonated in the late 18th century, a period of upheaval and revolution. Do you see any visual cues linking earthly and divine power? Editor: I see the book on the altar; is that the Bible? And there are figures on either side—destruction with fire, and building up a base using stone blocks. Curator: Precisely. The open Bible underscores the centrality of scripture, with ‘ET ERIT GL[ORI]A’ referencing Isaiah and Matthew XVI; 16-18 evokes faith as foundational. On one side is destruction; on the other, the foundation. It’s more than a religious image, right? Holtzhey aimed to depict the enduring strength of the church amidst external and internal strife, echoing psychological resilience—the very architecture of belief. How does the classical style inform your understanding? Editor: It makes it feel timeless, like it could be an image from almost any period of Western history! Curator: Indeed! The visual language draws upon historical authority. By employing these forms, the artist reinforced associations of institutional power. Ultimately, it illustrates continuity in the face of change. What final reflections do you have? Editor: The medal made me think about how people use images and symbols to create collective identity. Curator: Exactly, that shared symbolism allows groups to reinforce common bonds.