Aanvang van het jaar 1747, op het verbreken van het Barriere-verdrag door de Fransen en op de hoop op vrede 1746

This silver medal, crafted by Martin Holtzhey in 1747, encapsulates a pivotal moment: the breach of the Barrier Treaty by the French, and the ensuing hope for peace. On one side, a figure kneels before an altar inscribed with "Gods Wrecke," her hands raised to the heavens. This gesture, resonant with supplication, echoes across time from ancient votive offerings to Renaissance devotional art, embodying humanity's eternal yearning for divine intervention. But what is she offering? What is the content of her prayer? The medal presents a tableau of figures, possibly representing Hope, Faith and Justice, emerging from the clouds as possible answers. This scene evokes profound emotional and psychological depths: we can see a deep subconscious desire for justice and peace. The reverse depicts a triumphant female figure, likely symbolizing the Dutch Republic, holding a staff and caduceus—a symbol of commerce and negotiation. This symbol dates back to Hermes, and has resurfaced, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts. As the symbol transitions from the hands of a Greek God to that of an allegory of a nation, it becomes something new.