Vijfenzeventigste algemene vergadering der Nederlandse Maatschappij ter bevordering van Nijverheid, voorheen de Oeconomische Tak van de Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen te Haarlem 1852

This silver medal, commemorating the seventy-fifth general meeting of the Dutch Society for the Promotion of Industry, was struck by Johan George Holtzhey. This piece embodies the optimism and self-regard of the Dutch economic and intellectual elite during the period. Classical allegories of industry and abundance stand alongside the symbol of the beehive, a well-worn trope of industriousness, alluding to the idea of the collective working for the common good. It was made in 1852, a time when private societies dedicated to economic and scientific progress played a vital role in the Netherlands. How did institutions such as the 'Nederlandsche Maatschappij' shape the perception and direction of industry? Was this progress available to all, or did it reinforce existing class structures? To delve deeper, explore the archives of the 'Nederlandsche Maatschappij' itself and analyze how it represented its mission to the public. By understanding the context, we can better understand how this medal both reflected and shaped the society of its time.