Julius Philip Jacob Adriaan, graaf van Zuylen van Nyevelt, minister van Buitenlandse Zaken der Nederlanden 1868

This medal portrays Julius Philip Jacob Adriaan, Count of Zuylen van Nijevelt, made by Jacob Samuel Cohen Elion. On its reverse side, we see a seated woman reading a book, a classical motif embodying knowledge and enlightenment. This figure echoes the ancient Greek muse, often depicted with scrolls or books, symbolizing wisdom. Yet, here, she is no mere muse. She embodies a broader concept: the power of knowledge in governance, subtly linking the Count’s statesmanship with the timeless pursuit of understanding. The seated posture, reminiscent of ancient philosophers, enhances this connection to intellectual authority. The book, a potent symbol, has evolved from sacred texts to repositories of secular knowledge, reflecting humanity's ongoing quest for meaning. This medal taps into our collective memory, evoking a sense of continuity between classical ideals and modern governance. It uses symbols to connect to a deeply rooted human reverence for wisdom. Observe how such symbols cycle through history, resurfacing in various forms, each time imbued with renewed significance.