Ovaal medaillon met tekst 1611

This oval medallion with text was etched by Guillaume de la Quewellerie in Amsterdam in 1661. The print is an intriguing example of how artists of the Dutch Golden Age responded to their social and cultural context. The print’s symmetrical design and Latin inscription suggests a learned, humanist culture, where classical knowledge was valued. The inscription "NI CAPIS, NON CARPIS" translates roughly as "If you don't understand, don't criticize," reflecting the intellectual debates of the time. The text invites us to explore the artist's intentions, his knowledge, and his social standing. To fully understand this piece, we might consult period publications, artists' biographies, and social histories of Amsterdam. Art history thrives on unearthing the complex web of social, cultural, and institutional forces that shape artistic production.