Astronomia 1745 - 1765

Editor: Here we have Simon Fokke’s engraving "Astronomia", dating roughly from 1745 to 1765. The detail achieved in this print is astounding, although it also feels somewhat staged. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Look at the symbolism employed here; notice how Fokke weaves a complex narrative through potent images. We have what appears to be a female allegory of astronomy reaching towards the heavens, contrasted with the earthly pursuits of the figure by the fire. Do you see how she’s situated between shadow and light? Editor: Yes, there’s a stark contrast, almost like two worlds colliding within the frame. Curator: Exactly. The celestial realm is presented as enlightened, with the angel bearing the torch of knowledge. But note the darker, somewhat demonic, winged figure behind. There’s a tension here. It appears she may be dismissing it by facing forward. What objects surround Astronomia, and what does that communicate to you? Editor: I notice a globe and other scientific instruments, all very orderly and suggesting rational understanding. But I am not sure how to integrate all the symbology? Curator: Indeed. The objects near her, and the demon turning away imply a triumph of scientific thought over the archaic dark. Yet, the engraving also hints at the unseen forces at play. The print speaks volumes about the period's shifting worldview, where scientific inquiry began challenging traditional beliefs, yet it couldn’t entirely shed itself from old thought. Editor: So, it’s a commentary on the struggle between old and new ways of thinking, depicted through potent allegorical figures. Thank you. Curator: Precisely! And by decoding the symbols, we unlock a window into the cultural anxieties and aspirations of the time.