Instelling van de discontobank 1776

This is a medal commemorating the establishment of the Discount Bank, crafted by Pierre Joseph Lorthior. On one side, we see a figure reminiscent of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, seated with a cornucopia overflowing with coins. The cornucopia, a symbol of abundance, is deeply rooted in ancient Greek and Roman art, signifying prosperity and nourishment. Turn the medal over, and you'll see a caduceus, a staff entwined with two snakes, often associated with commerce due to its connection with the Greek god Hermes, or Mercury in Roman mythology. It is not far removed, however, from its older association with medicine. We can see echoes of the caduceus in depictions of Hermes from antiquity, and even in modern medical emblems. This image is charged with the ambition of rebirth and healing. The persistent recurrence of this symbol highlights our collective memory and the ongoing attempt to reconcile themes of wealth, health, and well-being. Observe how the imagery evolves, adapts, and resurfaces, a testament to the complex, cyclical journey of cultural symbols through the ages.