Vijftigjarig bestaan van de graden van Opper- en Uitverkoren Meester van de loge "Groot Oosten der Nederlanden" 1869

Editor: Here we have a metal medal from 1869, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of a Masonic lodge. It was created by David van der Kellen. It feels very solemn and almost secretive in its design. What kind of symbolism do you see at play here? Curator: The most potent symbol to me is the sunburst on one side. It’s not merely decorative. Throughout history, the sun is an emblem of enlightenment, knowledge, and a guiding force, spiritually and intellectually. Editor: Interesting! Is that why it has a neoclassical style? Curator: Precisely! Neoclassicism frequently drew upon classical symbols of authority and reason, which would strongly appeal to fraternal orders like the Freemasons, emphasizing wisdom. But observe also the inscription on the reverse: "Vijftigjarig Bestaan," or "Fiftieth Anniversary." Doesn't the choice of font and its placement within that chain border strike you as deliberate? Editor: I see what you mean, the font is very austere, official almost, and it really reinforces the idea of a tight-knit community and the enduring quality of the lodge. Why include that imagery in the design? Curator: Absolutely. They are conveying permanence. Anniversaries celebrate survival, continuity, a shared heritage. Visual language becomes a cultural memory bank. The chain underscores unbreakable bonds. What stories does this tiny object whisper to us about their values? Editor: It tells of tradition and the importance of knowledge. The visuals give this medal a meaning that transcends the surface. Thank you. Curator: It was my pleasure. Thinking about the power of symbols helps unlock these objects, adding depth and resonance for us today.