Grafmonument voor Henrik Danielsz. Hooft 1794

This print, commemorating Henrik Danielsz. Hooft, was made by Theodoor Koning, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, using engraving techniques. The engraver carefully cut lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see the crispness of the lines, a testament to the engraver’s skill. The choice of black and white adds a sense of gravity and timelessness to the scene. The composition, with its allegorical figures and architectural elements, is typical of memorial prints from this era. Prints like this were relatively accessible, which meant that the image of Hooft could circulate widely, reinforcing his legacy and reminding viewers of the values he embodied. The very act of reproducing and distributing this image was a form of social production, a way of shaping collective memory. In the end, this print serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can be rich with cultural and historical significance, if we take the time to consider their making and context.