Kamer met vier personen 1648 - 1665

Albert Flamen created this etching, "Kamer met vier personen," sometime in the 17th century. Its formal qualities provide a glimpse into the social and institutional history of the time. The print depicts four figures in what seems to be a meeting. Given the religious clothing of the figures, and that the text beneath the image refers to the apostles, we can assume that this work portrays a religious meeting or lesson. Flamen was French, and the text is in French, so the figures most likely represent a group of French clergymen. In the 17th century, French religious institutions often had close ties to the monarchy, making it reasonable to assume that the figures are discussing political affairs as much as religious doctrine. The print serves as a document of the cultural politics of the time. To better understand this image, historians might consult church records, personal letters, and other archival materials to better grasp the nuances of political and religious life in 17th-century France.