Twaalf zegels uit de collectie Six c. 1860 - 1870

J. Kuyper created this drawing, "Twaalf zegels uit de collectie Six", with pen in hand. The seals were sourced from the Six Collection which was assembled by the Six family, whose members were closely entwined with the political, artistic and social life of Amsterdam. The seals are records of status and authority, and were historically used to authenticate documents. They offer a glimpse into the lives of their owners, the historical moment, and the power structures of the time. We can read these seals as reflections of a deeply hierarchical society, with its religious imagery, and symbols of institutional power. Kuyper's choice to document these seals reflects the fascination with history and lineage. Each seal is an intimate object that speaks volumes about the identity and aspirations of its owner. By representing the collection of the Six family, Kuyper acknowledges the family's role in preserving these historical artifacts and how it influenced the understanding of the past. The artwork invites us to consider how we, too, are shaped by the narratives we choose to preserve and pass on.