Eerste vergadering van de Oeconomische tak van de Maatschappij der Wetenschappen te Haarlem, 1778 1778

This engraving, made in 1778 by an anonymous artist, depicts the inaugural meeting of the Economic Branch of the Society of Sciences in Haarlem. At the heart of this gathering, we observe the symbolic presence of a model; most likely a miniature farm, centrally positioned. This image, in its essence, captures the spirit of the Enlightenment, reminiscent of ancient agoras and philosophical assemblies. The farm acts as an emblem, symbolizing the deep connection to the land, and the economic well-being of the community. The act of gathering itself—a motif that recurs throughout history—echoes the assemblies of ancient Greece, where knowledge and collective wisdom were paramount. Such gatherings are not merely about the exchange of ideas, but are a reflection of the collective unconscious, where shared aspirations and concerns find expression. The symmetry and order in the composition reflect a desire for societal harmony and progress, a recurring theme in human endeavors across time.