Eenige bijzonderheden uit het leven van Richard Whittington, wiens geboortejaar niet juist bekend is (...). 1820 - 1848

Christiaan Jacob Schuyling created this print, "Eenige bijzonderheden uit het leven van Richard Whittington," sometime before 1830, depicting scenes from the life of Richard Whittington, an English merchant and politician who lived in the late Middle Ages. The print, likely intended for a broad audience, presents a narrative of social mobility. Whittington rises from poverty to become the Lord Mayor of London, a story that underscores themes of perseverance and opportunity. Schuyling, working in the Netherlands, taps into a familiar tale that resonates across different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. The narrative of Whittington reflects the aspirations of a society undergoing significant transformations with the rise of a merchant class. While seemingly straightforward, the imagery prompts reflection on class structures and access to power. This work serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained narratives of aspiration and success are in the cultural landscape. It’s a reminder that stories can offer a critical lens through which we examine our societal values and biases.