Man wijst op een boek en naar de hemel 1797 - 1836

Philippus Velijn made this print of unspecified date using etching. The image shows a seated man pointing towards the sky with a book open next to him. Gathered around him are what seems to be a family of two adults and two children, listening intently. In the Netherlands, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was a significant emphasis on education and moral instruction. The image creates meaning through its depiction of a scholarly man imparting knowledge, perhaps religious or philosophical, to his family. The presence of a globe suggests an interest in geography and the wider world. This scene could be a reflection of the values of the Dutch middle class at the time, who placed a high value on learning and self-improvement. Understanding this print requires knowledge of Dutch social history and the role of education in shaping cultural values. Scholarly resources, such as historical documents and studies of Dutch society during this period, can help us better understand its meaning and significance. After all, art is contingent on social and institutional context.