Vijfentwintigjarig huwelijk van Claudius Henricus van Herwerden en Geertruyda Agneta Commelin 1790

This medal, created in 1799 by Theodorus Victor van Berckel, commemorates the 25th wedding anniversary of Claudius Henricus van Herwerden and Geertruyda Agneta Commelin. Observe the figure kneeling before an altar, her posture evoking the ancient gesture of supplication found in classical sculpture. The burning flame on the altar is a symbol as old as civilization itself, signifying devotion and divine presence. The flame dances through time, appearing in ancient Roman hearths, medieval altars, and even modern-day eternal flames, each time carrying the weight of memory and tradition. Notice how the emotional intensity of her prayer is palpable, connecting us to the timeless human desire for blessings. This iconography echoes through centuries, each repetition layering new cultural meanings onto the original form. The enduring power of such symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective subconscious, evoking feelings and memories that transcend time.