Wapenschild geflankeerd door putti 1727

This print by Matthijs Pool, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, is dedicated to Jeronimo Tonneman, a patron of the arts. The print is an elaborate dedication to Tonneman, a wealthy art collector whose identity and social standing afforded him the luxury of commissioning art. The imagery, featuring a shield flanked by putti, blends classical and baroque motifs, reflecting the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age, when the work was made. The text below is in both Dutch and French, indicating the intended audience of educated elites fluent in both languages. Prints like these served not only as tokens of appreciation but also as markers of social status and cultural capital. Note how the dedication underscores themes of patronage, wealth, and artistic skill. The print also speaks to the complex interplay between artist, patron, and audience within the art world of the time.