De voor- en achterzijde van twee penningen van de Universiteit Leiden 1754 - 1769

These four images of the front and back of two medals from Leiden University were rendered by Noach van der Meer around 1755. Consider the lion rampant on one medal, a symbol of courage and nobility, its roots can be traced back to ancient heraldry, finding echoes in the Lion Gate of Mycenae. Though its symbolism has evolved, the primal emotions it evokes—strength, dominance, and a certain untamed vigor—remain potent. Then, on the other medal, we observe the figure of Minerva, or Athena, a representation of wisdom and strategic warfare. In antiquity, she sprung forth fully formed from the head of Zeus, an enduring symbol of intellect. Her presence speaks to the psychological imperative for understanding and knowledge, a concept as relevant today as it was in ancient Greece. These symbols engage us on a deep, subconscious level, their significance is non-linear, cyclical, resurfacing and evolving across time.