Petrus Jurieu, hoogleraar en predikant van de Waalse gemeente te Rotterdam 1687

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this intriguing piece—a medal created in 1687, commemorating Petrus Jurieu, professor and preacher of the Walloon church in Rotterdam. Editor: My immediate reaction is one of stark contrast. One side depicts the serene, almost stoic, profile of Jurieu. But flipping it… that’s a scene of turmoil. The dramatic flames certainly grab your attention. Curator: Precisely! It’s crafted from metal using a relief print technique. This medal provides a fascinating glimpse into Jurieu's life amidst the backdrop of religious and political tensions. Consider his staunch defense of Protestantism. Editor: The fire—could that represent the persecution faced by Protestants, or perhaps his own fiery rhetoric against the Catholic Church and Louis XIV? Is the medal portraying him as defiant? What is this symbolism supposed to communicate? Curator: That’s an incisive question. Jurieu's identity was multifaceted. A theologian, Huguenot activist, polemicist, and exile. He actively challenged dominant power structures of his time, so his portrait and legacy cannot be viewed apart from that. The other half of the coin hints at that directly, showing divine light prevailing even among destruction, maybe hope even amidst persecution and exile. Editor: The text surrounding the scene is Latin, isn't it? Can you give us an idea what it means? Curator: It is. In translation, the inscriptions reads, "Briefly It Will Shine More Brightly" and "I am also coming quickly. Yes, come, Lord Jesus". The second phrase especially underscores a hope for imminent salvation that would be particularly relevant for his fellow Huguenots. Editor: Considering Jurieu's role as a figure of resistance, placing his image in such close relation to the apocalyptic imagery invites speculation. Is it intended to inspire solidarity within the protestant community, to remind them that faith will lead to salvation from oppression, no matter how dark it seems? Curator: Exactly. We can view this medal as a symbol of resilience. Jurieu's likeness linked inextricably with the religious and political battles that defined him, made physical through both imagery and the weight of the metal. Editor: Looking at it this way emphasizes how profoundly material culture could serve as propaganda in past eras—these aren't just decorative objects, they are statements of intent, belief, and, at times, resistance. Thanks for pointing this out. Curator: The pleasure is all mine, it enriches my own understanding, too, seeing these objects in terms of cultural symbolism.