Hulde van Leidse jonkvrouwen aan de uitgetrokken Leidse studenten 1831

This medal by David van der Kellen, now residing at the Rijksmuseum, presents a study in contrasting symbolic designs. Composed of monochromatic silver, the medal offers two distinct visual fields. The primary side features a classical figure, possibly an allegorical representation of victory, rendered with a smooth, polished finish that accentuates the figure's draped form. This contrasts sharply with the reverse side, which displays an inscription encircled by a textured floral wreath, invoking a softer, more ornamental feel. The circular composition and the careful arrangement of text and floral motifs invite a reading of the medal as a semiotic object. The interplay between the classical figure on one side and the ornate text on the other prompts an interpretation of the medal's purpose: to commemorate and celebrate acts of heroism and sacrifice. It questions the nature of heroism through contrasting allegorical and textual representations. It challenges the viewer to reconcile these distinct visual languages and consider how they collectively construct a narrative of value and remembrance.