Twee studievertrekken met geleerden 1750 - 1780

Here we see two studies of scholars, created by an anonymous artist with print. These images offer a glimpse into spaces of learning and contemplation, reflective of the intellectual environment dominated by men of the era. The settings are intimate, with spiraling staircases suggesting upward mobility and a journey of knowledge. Each room is occupied by figures who are presumably men, deeply engrossed in their studies, surrounded by books, which underscores the inaccessibility of these environments to women and the working class. We might consider who is allowed to pursue knowledge and whose stories are deemed worthy of preservation. The scholars appear to be illuminated by natural light, a symbol of enlightenment, but also a stark contrast to the darkness and exclusion experienced by many during this period. These images invite us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the pursuit of knowledge and to question the narratives that have historically shaped our understanding of intellectual life.