Voorbehouden kennis (allegorie op de wetenschap) Possibly 1795

James Barry created this print, ‘Voorbehouden kennis (allegorie op de wetenschap)’, meaning ‘Reserved Knowledge (allegory on science)’, in England. Here we see an idealized vision of scientific discovery, one that’s carefully managed. Barry presents an assembly of scientific thinkers from across history, overseen by allegorical figures. Note the deliberate arrangement, knowledge is passed down, controlled, and almost reluctantly shared. Produced during the Enlightenment, the print reflects the era’s complex relationship with science. On the one hand, there’s the celebration of reason and empirical observation. On the other, we see anxiety about who gets access to knowledge, and how that knowledge is applied. Barry’s print invites us to consider who controls knowledge, and what responsibilities come with it. Art historians delve into the social and institutional contexts that shaped such images. This includes understanding the patronage systems, scientific societies, and educational institutions that influenced Barry's vision.