Vijfentwintigjarig huwelijk van Johan Emants en Sara Maria Bruinstein 1726

This silver medal commemorates the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Johan Emants and Sara Maria Bruinstein. Created in 1726 by an anonymous artist, it encapsulates the era's values and social structures. The medal's imagery offers a glimpse into the couple’s status and beliefs. Heraldic symbols on one side denote family lineage and social standing, essential in a society where class distinctions were paramount. On the reverse, allegorical figures—a pelican symbolizing piety, and an elephant representing steadfastness—frame a scene beneath an all-seeing eye, reflecting Enlightenment ideals and perhaps Masonic influences. Marriage, particularly among the elite, was a cornerstone of social order. Anniversaries such as this were opportunities to reaffirm commitments and celebrate family continuity. The medal is a tangible expression of personal joy intertwined with public identity, reflecting a society where personal milestones were often framed within broader social narratives.