Stad Embden, vroedschapspenning geslagen ter ere van hopman Claes Tholen 1696

This is a civic council token, crafted anonymously from silver. Its circular form is divided into two distinct sides, each a canvas for symbolic expression. The visual field is dominated by heraldic emblems and Latin inscriptions, meticulously arranged to convey layers of meaning. On one side, a crowned shield takes center stage, its intricate details suggesting power and authority. The opposite side features clasped hands holding a bundle of arrows, flanked by stylized floral motifs. These elements, rendered with remarkable precision, evoke themes of unity, strength, and communal prosperity. The artist's careful attention to line and texture enhances the overall composition. Consider the semiotic structure at play here. The crown signifies sovereignty, while the clasped hands symbolize agreement. This token invites us to reflect on how visual symbols operate within a specific cultural context, reinforcing established values. The circular format, in particular, invites interpretation as a visual metaphor for completeness and cyclical return.