De Vinding 1748

Louis Fabritius Dubourg created this drawing called ‘The Finding’ with pen and watercolor around the 18th century in the Netherlands. The scene seems to depict a classical mythological episode, perhaps the finding of a child by a goddess or nymph. In terms of its institutional context, it is interesting to consider the role of the Rijksmuseum in the creation of Dutch cultural identity. How does this drawing contribute to that project? We can explore what this drawing may say about the social structures of its time. What are the politics of classical imagery in the 18th century? Is the drawing self-consciously conservative or progressive? Historians can use a range of resources to understand this artwork better. By researching the artist, the historical context, and the symbolism used, we can gain a deeper understanding of the drawing's meaning and significance. Ultimately, the meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.