Mich. Henr. Godefroi dertig jaar lid van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal 1879 1879

Editor: This is a bronze sculpture from 1879 by Jacob Samuel Cohen Elion, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. It seems to be a commemorative medal dedicated to Mich. Henr. Godefroi. The muted tones give it a somber, historical feel. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: This medal, beyond commemorating thirty years of service, invites us to contemplate Godefroi’s influence through symbols of authority and recognition. The laurel wreath, of course, frames the text on the reverse, a visual echo of ancient Roman triumphs. Do you notice how Godefroi himself is depicted? Editor: Yes, in profile, almost like a Roman emperor. He’s also wearing some kind of decorative order. Is that significant? Curator: Precisely. These symbols elevate Godefroi, connecting him to a lineage of power and civic virtue. Medals like this one acted as both personal mementos and public statements, weren't they? Consider, also, the choice of bronze itself: a material with connotations of endurance and lasting legacy. Editor: So it’s not just about honoring an individual, but also about creating a lasting impression and shaping how he’s remembered? Curator: Exactly! It uses classical visual vocabulary to establish cultural memory. By linking Godefroi to established archetypes of leadership and achievement, it ensures his place in history, viewed through a particular lens. Editor: I never considered how a simple object could be so carefully constructed to manage someone’s image and legacy. Curator: Indeed, symbols do more than just represent, they actively participate in creating and solidifying meaning, and that is present in even such a modest medal.