Collage van uitgeknipte prenten geplakt op albumblad van blauw papier c. 1585 - 1700

This collage, made of cut-out prints pasted on blue album paper, invites us to consider the world of collecting and display. Created by diverse hands, its arrangement speaks to both personal taste and prevailing social norms. During this time, collecting prints and assembling them into albums was a popular activity among the elite. These albums served as displays of wealth, taste, and knowledge. They were a way to categorize and make sense of the world through images, often reflecting and reinforcing existing social hierarchies. Note the central image featuring elegantly dressed figures engaged in leisurely activities, surrounded by equestrian scenes. This imagery, while seemingly decorative, underscores the values and interests of a privileged class. Consider how this collage, with its carefully arranged fragments, becomes a mirror reflecting the collector's identity and aspirations. The act of collecting and arranging transforms everyday materials into something of personal and cultural significance.