Stillen van het oproer te Leiden 1784

This silver medal, crafted by Johan George Holtzhey, depicts the quelling of the riot in Leiden. Here, we see Virtus Civica, civic virtue, a symbol rooted in antiquity, standing triumphant. She holds a spear and shield over a defeated figure representing the riot, embodying order prevailing over chaos. Consider the image of the triumphant figure, which echoes the classical goddess Minerva. This motif recurs throughout history—from ancient Roman coins celebrating military victories to Renaissance paintings of Justice. Over time, the spear and shield have been reinterpreted to suit different epochs, symbolizing the enduring power of civic duty and the suppression of disorder. The wreath of oak leaves on the reverse side serves as a symbol of honor, victory, and resilience. This symbol of triumph dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Such symbols evoke a powerful, subconscious response, a connection to archetypal ideas of order, strength, and the cyclical nature of societal turmoil and restoration. The image engages us, reminding us of the ever-repeating dance between chaos and control in the theater of history.