Karel de Grote bezoekt de St. Maartensschool te Utrecht, 790 1865 - 1870

Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren made this image of Charlemagne visiting St. Martin's School in Utrecht in 790 with an etching technique. Van Kesteren made this etching in the Netherlands in the 19th century during a time when national identity and historical consciousness were growing. By referencing Charlemagne, a towering figure from the early Middle Ages, the image taps into a narrative of Dutch heritage and connects it to a broader European history. The setting, a religious school, suggests the importance of education and religious institutions in shaping society. Consider how the artist employs visual codes such as light and shadow to emphasize Charlemagne’s importance, positioning him as a patron of knowledge and culture. Historical paintings from the nineteenth century like this one are visual arguments that reflect social values of the time. To better understand this artwork, one might research 19th-century Dutch history, exploring the role of art in nation-building and historical memory.