Collage met acht prenten van Cornelis van Noorde c. 1745 - 1760

This collage of eight prints by Cornelis van Noorde presents a fascinating array of images capturing the spirit of the 18th century. Dominating the collection are portraiture and allegorical scenes, evoking classical ideals and philosophical reflections. Note the recurring motif of the head, seen in profile and full-face, a symbol of human intellect and introspection. These likenesses remind us of the ancient Greek and Roman busts, emblems of virtue and wisdom. The allegorical scenes echo similar compositions found in Renaissance emblems, where symbolic figures and objects conveyed complex moral messages. Consider the image of tobacco cultivation—a new symbol in Dutch society. Tobacco appears in Indigenous American cultures as a sacred herb, used in rituals, and adopted by Europeans for recreation and trade, shifting its symbolism over time. These collected images invite us to delve into the cyclical nature of symbols and memory. How cultural symbols evolve and resurface, taking on new meanings across history, engaging us on a deeply psychological level.