Eeuwfeest van de Hogeschool te Utrecht 1736

This silver medal, crafted by Martin Holtzhey, commemorates the centennial of the University of Utrecht. On one side, we see allegorical figures gathered around an altar, with Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom, prominently displayed. The motif of Athena, so central to classical learning, has a long and complex history. In ancient Greece, she symbolized strategic warfare, arts, and crafts. Here, she embodies the university's dedication to knowledge and enlightenment. Yet, we see her reappear through time, for example in the Renaissance, reborn in a time of renewed interest in classical antiquity. Over centuries, the image of Athena has been charged with new meaning, adapted to different cultural contexts, as an emblem of human intellectual achievement. This is, perhaps, an echo of collective memory, where the symbolic power of Athena persists. It's a powerful symbol, engaging us on a subconscious level with ideals of wisdom. The cyclical return of classical imagery, seen here with Athena, emphasizes a timeless pursuit of knowledge.