Netherlands Medal 1936 Desiderius Erasmus — 400th Anniversary of his Death - by Bon Ingen Housz EF+

Netherlands. 1936. Desiderius Erasmus — 400th Anniversary of his Death. Bronze Medal by Bon Ingen Housz. Vereniging voor Penningkunst, First Medal of 1936.

Struck bronze. Diameter 60.3 mm.

Obverse: Bust of Erasmus facing left, wearing a scholar’s cap and a high-collared mantle. Surrounding legend DESIDERIUS ERASMUS ROTERODAMUS.

Reverse: Facing owl wearing a jester’s cap with bells, one foot raised, surrounded by leafy branches. Dates 1536–1936 across the field. Artist’s monogram to the right and the monogram of the Vereniging voor Penningkunst below.

Designed by B.M.A. “Bon” Ingen Housz and issued as the Dutch Art Medal Society’s first medal of 1936, commemorating four hundred years since Erasmus’ death.

The reverse alludes to Erasmus’ Praise of Folly. The owl combines the traditional symbolism of wisdom with the jester’s freedom to speak uncomfortable truths. The society’s catalogue identifies the curved surface beneath the owl as a mirror held up to humanity.

Approximately Extremely Fine, with brown patina, light rubbing on the raised details and minor contact marks. Please examine the photographs for your own assessment.

References: Koninklijke Begeer V, 1002; Louk Tilanus, Handzame sculptuur, p. 123; VPK 1936, first medal.

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