Opname der Salzburger emigranten in Nederland 1733

This silver medal, crafted by Christian Wermuth, commemorates the welcoming of Salzburg emigrants to the Netherlands. The image overflows with symbols of protection and hope during a period of religious migration. On one side, a figure extends a protective arm over a family, while holding a bundle of rods, a classical symbol of unity and strength—a representation of the Roman fasces. The other side depicts a female figure, likely an allegorical representation of the Dutch Republic, holding a shield emblazoned with a lion. This lion echoes through heraldry across Europe, from ancient Greece to medieval England, each time signifying courage and sovereignty. Consider how these symbols tap into a collective memory. The protective gesture is almost universal, a primal instinct to shield the vulnerable. Such images remind us that symbols are never static, but constantly evolve, carrying echoes of the past while adapting to new cultural landscapes.