Nox (Nacht) 1693

This is Samuel Botschild’s ‘Nox’ etching, now residing in the Rijksmuseum. The image presents a allegorical figure of Night, ‘Nox’ in Latin, holding a child, possibly representing sleep. The artwork was made in the Dutch Republic in the 17th century. The Dutch Republic was a society shaped by trade, religious reform, and emerging scientific thought. Consider how Botschild draws on classical mythology and the personification of abstract concepts, which was a common practice in European art during that time, and how this image contributes to the visual language of its era. To truly understand this artwork, we can investigate the iconographic traditions surrounding Night and Sleep, exploring the socio-cultural meanings attached to them. We can also consult prints and drawing collections, along with archival sources. In doing so, we begin to see how art is deeply embedded in the historical conditions of its making.