Utrechtse groot van Jan van Arkel, 1341-1364 1341 - 1364

This is a silver "Utrechtse groot" coin, minted between 1341 and 1364, portraying Jan van Arkel, who was Bishop of Utrecht. Note the mitre, symbolising his ecclesiastical authority, and the coat of arms of his family emblazoned below. The mitre, an evolved form of the ancient head covering, isn't unique to Utrecht. We see variations of it across Byzantine mosaics, medieval manuscripts, and even in Renaissance portraits. It’s a visual echo, resonating through the centuries. Consider how the Bishop’s stern gaze, framed by the mitre, elicits both reverence and perhaps a touch of unease. It reminds us of the power of symbols to evoke deep-seated emotions, tapping into our collective memory of authority. The mitre's reappearance signals not just religious authority but also continuity. It is a cultural artifact, each iteration subtly altered by time and context, yet undeniably linked to its predecessors. It exemplifies how symbols persist, transform, and continue to exert their influence over the human psyche.