Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol weer toegelaten tot de Staten van Overijssel 1782

This silver medal, crafted by Johan George Holtzhey, commemorates Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol's reinstatement to the States of Overijssel. Note the imagery on the medal’s reverse: above the inscription, a radiant eye flanked by wings watches over the scene. This is a variation of the Eye of Providence, often linked to divine oversight, a symbol tracing back to ancient Egypt and later adopted into Christian iconography during the Renaissance, signifying God's all-seeing watchfulness. Below, broken chains and weapons suggest liberation and the triumph over oppression, a motif that echoes in various forms throughout history, from ancient Roman depictions of defeated enemies to revolutionary emblems of freedom. This emblem, imbued with aspirations for liberty, connects deeply to our collective longing for deliverance. The power of such imagery lies in its capacity to stir the subconscious, tapping into shared cultural memories and inspiring fervent emotion across generations. The medal immortalizes a fleeting political victory, yes, but it also serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical and enduring nature of the struggle for freedom.