Netherlands 1733 Pewter Medal – Opening of the Orphanage in The Hague / Swan and City Arms, Tin.
Obverse: A swan with wings spread, standing frontally. To its left and right, groups of kneeling boys and girls with raised hands in supplication. Above, a radiant cloud with the Tetragrammaton and a ribbon inscribed with "DE WEDUWE EN WEESEN ZULLEN HEM LOOFEN" (The widow and orphan shall praise Him). Below, a cartouche inscribed:
"WEES HUYS / TOT 'S GRAVENHAGE / GEOPENT / DEN 3 SEPTEMBER / 1733".
Reverse: Crowned arms of Holland and The Hague side by side, surrounded by a decorative scroll ribbon. Above, a radiant triangle with the Hebrew name of God. Below, a scroll with six-line Latin inscription commemorating the foundation.
Historical Context:
This medal was issued in 1733 to commemorate the opening of the new orphanage in The Hague ('s-Gravenhage). Designed by Nicolaas van Swinderen, it uses rich allegorical and civic symbolism. The swan—a traditional Dutch emblem of piety and care—stands before groups of needy children, while the arms of Holland and The Hague represent municipal patronage. The radiant Tetragrammaton and biblical inscriptions emphasize the charitable and religious spirit of the institution.
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