Bewijs van deelname voor de cursus Versieringskunst door R.W.P. de Vries Jr., vignetten en monogrammen 1884 - 1952

This certificate was created by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries Jr., a Dutch artist born in 1874, as a ‘Bewijs van Deelname’ for a course in decorative arts. This document offers a glimpse into the cultural emphasis on arts and crafts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the shifting role of art education. De Vries’s work connected him to the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to revive traditional craftsmanship. The course may have provided opportunities for individuals, regardless of gender or class, to engage with artistic expression. The design itself, with its ornate lettering and decorative motifs, reflects the artistic style of the period. It prompts us to consider how design elements can communicate value and prestige, as this certificate did for its recipient. It represents an effort to democratize art and promote creativity across different segments of society.