Plan van de vergadering van de Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen, 1791 1791

This plan of a meeting of the Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen, or Society for Public Welfare, was made in 1791 by an anonymous artist. It’s an ink drawing on paper depicting the layout of a room with tables and chairs, each labeled with a letter corresponding to a list of cities and departments. The Society for Public Welfare was founded in the Netherlands in 1784 as a progressive organization dedicated to education and social reform. In the wake of the Enlightenment, groups like this one took root across Europe. This image offers a fascinating insight into the spatial dynamics of such gatherings. The drawing details the placement of representatives from various regions, highlighting the Society's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. Historians use institutional records like this one to understand the circulation of enlightened ideas. The arrangement of the room can suggest a great deal about social hierarchy and the negotiation of ideas.