Tweehonderdenvijftigjarig bestaan van de hogeschool van Leiden 1839

This silver medal commemorating the 250th anniversary of Leiden University was created by David van der Kellen in 1825 in the Netherlands. The imagery and Latin inscription connect the institution to a longer history of classical learning. The goddess Minerva appears on the front, holding an owl, a symbol of knowledge. The reverse contains an inscription celebrating the anniversary, surrounded by a wreath, another classical motif. The establishment of Leiden University in 1575 was a pivotal moment in Dutch history. Founded by William of Orange during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, it became a symbol of intellectual freedom and national identity. Medals like these served to reinforce the University’s prominent position in Dutch society, and connect it to the established traditions of classical scholarship. To understand the medal fully, we can examine university archives, student records, and other historical documents. By exploring the social and institutional context, we can understand the meaning that it held for Dutch society at the time.