De vyf zinnen 1791 - 1812

This Dutch print, titled "The Five Senses" was made by Jacobus Thompson, a bookseller in Rotterdam. It gives us a glimpse into the social and cultural values of the time. Arranged in a decorative frame are five oval portraits. Each depicts a figure engaging with one of the senses: hearing, smell, taste, touch, and sight. Below each portrait, a brief description reinforces its message. Looking closer, we can see how the print subtly reinforces societal norms. The figures are all male, suggesting that the senses, and perhaps knowledge itself, are primarily associated with men. The act of reading is linked to sight and elevates the importance of literacy and learning. Prints like these were often educational tools, teaching moral lessons and reinforcing social hierarchies. To understand this work better, we can delve into the archives, exploring Dutch print culture and the role of booksellers in shaping public opinion.