Vijftigjarig bestaan van het Koninklijk Zoologisch genootschap "Natura Artis Magistra" 1888

This bronze medal commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Natura Artis Magistra Royal Zoological Society. It was crafted in the Netherlands, in 1888. The medal itself becomes a historical artifact, reflecting the cultural values and institutional structures of its time. The very existence of a Royal Zoological Society speaks to the rise of scientific inquiry, of course, but also to the social and economic conditions that allowed for institutions of leisure and learning. The emphasis on "Natura" reflects the Dutch relationship with the natural world, a relationship shaped by land reclamation projects and other forms of environmental engineering. The reference to royalty indicates the close ties between science, culture, and political power. Understanding this medal requires exploring the social history of science, the cultural history of zoos, and the political history of the Dutch monarchy. Medals and other commemorative objects are vital sources for understanding the relationship between art and society.