Penning door de Franse vluchtelingen geslagen uit erkentelijkheid jegens de regering van Utrecht voor de genoten bescherming en gastvrijheid, 1687 1844 - 1846

This print by Jan Dam Steuerwald depicts a medal struck in 1687 by French refugees in gratitude to the government of Utrecht. At the medal’s apex, we see the Utrecht coat of arms: a crowned lion rampant, brandishing a sword. This lion, a symbol of courage and regality, echoes across time from ancient heraldry to medieval banners, each appearance imbued with the will to protect and to lead. The refugees, displaced by religious conflict, chose to immortalize their gratitude through a universally understood symbol of strength and stability. Consider the psychological weight of a people uprooted, finding solace under the protection of a benevolent power. Their need to express gratitude transcends mere politeness. It's a profound, almost primal, urge to acknowledge and secure their newfound safety. It’s a testament to the deeply ingrained human desire for security. Note how their story re-emerges again and again, each time colored by new experiences and meanings.