Monument met buste en medaillon, door putti bekranst 1677 - 1755

Elias van Nijmegen created this design for a monument with pen in gray, brush in gray and watercolor, sometime around the late 17th and early 18th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major power in Europe, known for its wealth and cultural achievements. Van Nijmegen, born in 1667, would have been immersed in this rich artistic environment. The drawing presents an idealized image of power and virtue through its classical references, which was characteristic of the era's artistic and political sensibilities. It's tempting to imagine the monument’s design, with its classical bust and allegorical figures, meant to evoke a sense of timelessness. Consider the ways in which historical narratives are constructed and how they are designed to shape the perception of those in power. How might we reimagine such monuments to reflect a broader, more inclusive understanding of history?