Wetenschappen en kunsten 1772 - 1779

"Wetenschappen en kunsten" (Sciences and Arts), created by Etienne Claude Voysard between 1772-1779, is an intricate engraving that depicts a symbolic arrangement of tools and instruments representing the interconnectedness of science and art. The artwork features two prominent groupings of objects suspended from an ornate, foliate frame, each representing a different domain. On the left, we see a collection of tools associated with scientific exploration and discovery, including a compass, a telescope, and a globe. On the right, the tools represent artistic creation, like brushes, paint palettes, and sculpting tools. This interplay between scientific and artistic instruments reflects the prevailing intellectual and philosophical currents of the 18th century that emphasized the importance of both rational inquiry and creative expression. The engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a prime example of the Rococo style, with its emphasis on playful asymmetry and decorative details.