Standbeeld van Laurens Jansz. Coster, 1723 1767 - 1843

This is Pieter Hendrik Jonxis’s depiction of Laurens Jansz. Coster, made in 1723. Notice the laurel wreath adorning Coster's head, a potent symbol harking back to ancient Greece, where it signified victory and honor. Here, it crowns Coster as a champion of knowledge and invention. Observe also the book held reverently in his hands. The book appears as a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment, recalling the classical world's veneration of literature and learning. The open book echoes through time, recurring in countless Renaissance portraits, each instance a testament to the enduring power of the written word. The gesture of Coster’s hand, raised as if in demonstration, evokes a sense of intellectual authority and public speaking. This gesture reminds us of the classical orator. The statue serves as a powerful reminder of our collective striving for enlightenment. These symbols, deeply embedded in our cultural memory, resonate with us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of ideas.