Oeconomische Tak van de Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen, penning toegekend aan Jacobus Dykwel uit Haarlem. 1785

This is a medal made by Johann Heinrich Schepp, likely sometime in the late 18th century, awarded to Jacobus Dykwel by the Dutch Society of Sciences. These societies emerged during the Enlightenment, reflecting a growing emphasis on reason, progress, and the collection of knowledge. The medal depicts a male figure in classical armor placing a laurel wreath on the head of a woman standing next to a beehive, which can be interpreted as allegorical figures representing labor and honor. This imagery reflected the values of the Dutch Republic, but what about the figures? These depictions were reserved for white, European bodies, so the imagery, while seemingly virtuous, excludes other races and genders. This seemingly simple medallion subtly reinforces who can participate in the production of knowledge and wealth, and who can't. It serves as a potent reminder of how power and representation intertwine.