De oprichters van het Koninklijk Instituut van Ingenieurs 1897

Antoon Derkinderen created this print of the founders of the Royal Institute of Engineers. It presents three men in formal attire, each portrait framed by decorative borders and accompanied by years related to their involvement with the institute. Made in the Netherlands, it speaks to the rise of professional institutions in the 19th century. These organizations played a crucial role in standardizing knowledge and practices within emerging fields such as engineering. The work is a formal tribute to the individuals who shaped the direction of a key Dutch institution, reflecting a broader trend of professionalization and institutional development in Europe at the time. The image highlights the social standing and authority of these engineers. To fully understand Derkinderen's print, it is important to consider the social history of engineering and the development of professional organizations. Researching archives and institutional records can shed light on the networks and power dynamics reflected in this image. The meaning of art is deeply tied to its social and institutional context.