Aanvang van het jaar 1748 1747

This silver medal was crafted in 1748 by Martin Holtzhey. On one side, we see the winged figure of Time emerging from a radiant sun, carrying a wreath and a scythe. Time, often depicted with wings and an hourglass or scythe, symbolizes the relentless passage of moments and the transience of human existence. We see echoes of this motif throughout history. From the Greek god Chronos devouring his children, to Father Time in Renaissance allegories, the figure embodies a profound cultural anxiety about mortality. In Holtzhey's medal, however, Time carries a wreath, suggesting not just destruction but renewal, like the cyclical rhythm of the seasons. Note how the other side shows the figure of Justice, scales in hand, next to a mask. This juxtaposition of Time and Justice evokes a deeper, perhaps subconscious, desire for order and meaning amidst the chaos of existence. Justice, as an emblem of moral balance, serves as a counterpoint to Time's unyielding march. The medal reminds us that symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface across centuries, carrying forward fragments of our shared cultural memory.