Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen, penning uitgereikt aan Edze Rienks Zoutman 1806 - 1824

This medal was made by Johan George Holtzhey, an 18th-century Dutch coin and medal designer. It was created for the Society for Public Welfare, a Dutch organization founded in 1784. The imagery on the medal reflects the enlightenment ideals that fueled the Society's establishment, in a time of social and political transformation. We see a kneeling figure, a representation of the common person, receiving knowledge or assistance from a seated woman symbolizing enlightenment or society. The image is an allegory of progress, where education and social support elevate the individual and, by extension, society. The medal embodies the complex politics of welfare and education, subtly reinforcing power structures while seemingly promoting equality. The design and distribution of this medal underscore how notions of public good were being shaped and negotiated during a pivotal era in European history. It serves as a reminder of how symbols and representation play a role in shaping collective values and identities.