Oprichting van een monument voor Joan Melchior Kemper in de St. Pieterskerk te Leiden 1835

This silver medal, commemorating the erection of a monument for Joan Melchior Kemper, captures attention with its precise engraving and balanced design. The monochrome palette accentuates the sculptural relief, inviting a close inspection of its form. On one side, a stylized monument is depicted, its verticality contrasting with the circular frame. The meticulous inscription around the edge anchors the composition, while on the reverse, a laurel wreath encircles text, symbolizing honor and civic virtue. This juxtaposition plays with classical motifs, reflecting an interest in how symbols communicate values. The medal operates as a sign, inviting us to interpret its visual language and appreciate the interplay between form and meaning. As a cultural artifact, it transcends its literal function to reveal societal values and artistic sensibilities, prompting an ongoing conversation about the nature of commemoration and representation.