Schrijfvoorbeeld: Men mag wel (...) 1667 - 1718

Ambrosius Perling made this calligraphy in the Netherlands, sometime around the turn of the 18th century. The elegant script is an example of penmanship, a skill highly valued in Dutch society, and a reminder of the importance of literacy and education at the time. Notice how the text itself reflects social and cultural attitudes towards enjoyment. Translated, the writing suggests a liberal sentiment, that it is not forbidden by God to enjoy earthly pleasures, as long as it is done in moderation. This was a period of relative wealth in the Netherlands, one in which Dutch merchants controlled major international trade routes. It’s no surprise that the rising middle class sought to balance religious values with a desire for earthly comforts. To fully understand the significance of a work like this, we would want to delve into the history of Dutch social customs and religious practices. Research into period documents, literature, and art could shed light on how Dutch society negotiated its relationship with both sacred and secular values.