Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen 1778

This is a medal by Johan George Holtzhey, likely crafted around 1778. It presents a circular composition dominated by the figure of Mercury. The radiant gold colour of the metal enhances the prominence of this central image, evoking a sense of classical importance. Mercury is depicted with a caduceus, positioned against a backdrop with inscriptions which border the coin. The choice of Mercury, messenger of the gods and patron of commerce, suggests an engagement with enlightenment values of reason and exchange. The medal's structure embodies a semiotic system. The circular form represents continuity and wholeness, while the figure of Mercury acts as a signifier for trade, communication, and intellectual pursuits. This interplay between form and symbol challenges fixed meanings, inviting reflection on the values of the Genootschap and the broader context of Dutch enlightenment. Ultimately, the medal's circular design compels us to consider how Holtzhey merges aesthetics with intellectual discourse through a symbolic representation of commerce, enlightenment and knowledge.