Telemachus en Nestor in omhelzing 1732

Jacob Folkema created this engraving, "Telemachus en Nestor in omhelzing," in the Netherlands in the 18th century. It depicts a scene from Homer’s Odyssey. Nestor, the wise king of Pylos, embraces Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. Classical subjects like this were very popular in 18th-century Europe. The engraving style, with its precise lines and clear composition, reflects the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and order. This image would have been made for a book illustration. The book trade was increasingly important at this time, allowing the Dutch Republic to disseminate cultural values. The choice of this specific scene may reflect the period’s interest in mentorship and the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. Studying engravings like this one alongside historical texts, letters, and other visual materials, can offer a window into the cultural and intellectual values of the 18th century. The print is a social artifact.