Allegorie op de Handel 1817 - 1883

This “Allegory on Trade” was made by Moses de Vries in the 19th century through the process of etching. This method, using metal plates and acid, has a long history, but here it speaks to a more contemporary context. The figure of Justice sits atop an array of goods and symbols, all rendered through the fine lines of the etching process. Look closely, and you'll see corn, barrels, and bound packages, alluding to agriculture and trade. The caduceus, a symbol of commerce, sits amongst these goods, while books lie on the opposite side, perhaps representing knowledge and accounting. The scales of justice, held aloft, speak to the balance required in economic exchange. The etching technique allows for detailed depictions of these objects, each rendered with precision. This speaks to the value placed on accuracy and transparency in trade during this period. By considering the materials and methods used to create this image, we gain insight into the cultural and social values it represents. The print is a reminder that even allegorical depictions are rooted in material conditions.