Tweehonderdjarig bestaan van de Hogeschool van Utrecht, penning geslagen op last van de curatoren 1836

Editor: This bronze medal, created in 1836 by David van der Kellen, commemorates the bicentennial of the Hogeschool van Utrecht. It's fascinating to see neoclassicism miniaturized like this. I’m drawn to the figure on the front – Athena, I presume? What catches your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: My attention is immediately directed to the balanced composition. Note the circular format, mirroring the wreaths and the goddess’s shield, effectively enclosing the central images and inscriptions. It exemplifies Neoclassical ideals. Consider also the material. The patinated bronze contributes to a subdued palette, inviting the viewer to carefully observe the detail. Editor: Subdued, yes, and quite…academic. The inscription around Athena and the lettering on the reverse. It seems incredibly deliberate. Curator: Precisely. Inscriptions are integral. "ATSPICE DEO, SERVETTA, INCOLTHIS"—Look to God, Preserve the Citizens; these phrases were deliberately chosen. They add texture and line, enriching the medal's form and meaning. Consider also, the goddess of wisdom’s spear, held perfectly vertically. It provides a strong structural element to the design. What, for you, is the relationship between the inscription and the images? Editor: The words frame and reinforce the classical imagery. I mean, together they create a unified and impressive statement about civic virtue and intellectual legacy. Curator: Precisely! Editor: So, beyond the historical context, it's the formal interplay of line, form, and inscription that elevates this medal. Thanks for that observation. I am ready to move onto the next artwork!