Viglius ab Aytta Zuichemus, voorzitter van de Geheime Raad te Brussel 1556 - 1559

This silver medal portraying Viglius ab Aytta Zuichemus was made in 1566 by Jacques Jonghelinck. Notice the symbolic objects on the reverse side, each laden with meaning. At the heart, we see an open book, a clear emblem of knowledge and law. To its left, an hourglass reminds us of the relentless passage of time, an ancient symbol of mortality and the fleeting nature of human endeavors. Above the book, a cross emerges, representing faith, sacrifice, and redemption. These symbols are not isolated; they echo through centuries. The hourglass, for instance, finds its roots in antiquity, evolving from the water clock to become a memento mori in medieval art, a reminder of death's inevitability. The book, initially a symbol of divine wisdom, later became a representation of human intellect and enlightenment, a powerful tool in both religious and secular contexts. The emotional weight of these symbols is considerable. The cross stirs deep feelings of faith and suffering, while the hourglass evokes a sense of urgency and the transience of life. The cyclical nature of these symbols—their recurring presence throughout history—underscores the enduring power of human concerns and beliefs. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, yet their fundamental essence remains.