Hulde van de Curatoren der Groninger Akademie aan de uitgetrokken Groninger en Franeker studenten 1831 1831

Curator: This bronze relief sculpture from 1831, held here at the Rijksmuseum, is titled "Hulde van de Curatoren der Groninger Akademie aan de uitgetrokken Groninger en Franeker studenten 1831," crafted by David van der Kellen. It is, in essence, a commemorative medal. Editor: Immediately, it evokes the gravitas of history, like holding a portal to another time. The cool touch of metal, the stoic lion… it feels like bearing witness to a forgotten, heroic moment. Curator: That's a beautiful way to put it. This piece celebrates the curators of the Groninger Akademie, expressing their esteem for the students from Groningen and Franeker who bravely volunteered for military service. These students would have left their universities during a politically fraught time. Editor: So, this lion, then, isn't just decoration. It embodies courage and… maybe a touch of melancholy? Laying down like that, is he weary from defending something important? Curator: The lion, a symbol of Dutch national pride, perfectly encapsulates that duality. The medal's inscription around the lion reads, "VIRIBUS VIRTUTE VALET QUI TUTELA COLLEGII DATOTE," which loosely translates to "He who by strength and courage protects the college is well". Editor: And what of the other side, with all the writing wreathed in foliage? That's the side for the intellectuals? Curator: Precisely. On the reverse, we find another wreath encompassing text. "PATRIAE DEFENSORIBUS ACADEMIAE CIVIBUS CURATORES MDCCCXXXI". A dedication from the curators to those student defenders. The sprigs surrounding the text act as visual signifiers. The classical style employed underscores the importance and official nature of this civic tribute. Editor: It's fascinating how something so small could hold such a grand, layered narrative. A symbol of bravery and sacrifice immortalized in bronze. Curator: Indeed, it's a powerful reminder of the intertwined roles of academia, citizenship, and national identity during a tumultuous period. Van der Kellen masterfully encapsulates that era's values. Editor: Now, I’m considering all the lives interwoven with its creation and message. The bravery is so loud. Curator: I agree. It adds an additional layer to our understanding of academic and societal life of that period.