Latijnse school van Gouda, penning uitgereikt aan Jan Couperus bij zijn promotie 1772

This is a silver medal made by Johannes van Oyen awarded to Jan Couperus upon his promotion at the Latin School of Gouda in the 18th century. The Latin School, an institution synonymous with intellectual elitism, reflects a society deeply stratified by class and privilege. To receive such a medal meant not just academic success, but also an affirmation of one's place within the higher echelons of society. It speaks volumes about the expectations placed upon young men of the era, particularly within the Dutch Republic, where education was seen as a pathway to civic engagement and leadership. The medal's design, laden with symbolism, underscores the values of the time, a time of religious, political and cultural shifts. A tangible symbol of achievement, it offers a glimpse into the aspirations and values of a bygone era, inviting us to reflect on the ever-evolving landscape of education, opportunity, and social mobility.