Tentoonstelling te Haarlem, penning voor de Nederlandse nijverheid 1820 - 1825

This silver medal was created by Joseph-Pierre Braemt for an exhibition in Haarlem to celebrate Dutch industry. It features a seated female figure, likely representing the Netherlands, being crowned with a wreath by a winged figure holding a beehive. The beehive, an ancient symbol of industry and collective effort, finds its roots in antiquity. The act of crowning is prevalent across cultures; bestowing a mark of prestige and recognition. The laurel wreath echoes the artistic vocabulary of classical antiquity as a symbol of status and achievement. Consider how such motifs migrate across time and space, transformed yet persistent. The winged figure, reminiscent of classical depictions of victory or divine messengers, now embodies the spirit of industry, illustrating our human drive for progress. This image resonates with a deep, subconscious desire for recognition and success. We see the non-linear progression of these symbols, resurfacing and evolving to carry new meanings through time.