Feest van Sint Lucas in 1654 1864 - 1865

Frans Molenaar made this print titled 'Feast of Saint Lucas in 1654' sometime between 1821 and 1886. The print depicts a festive gathering likely celebrating the Saint Lucas day, a historical event that honored artists, particularly painters. It references back to the 17th Century, the time of the Dutch Masters. In looking at this print, I ask myself what is the relationship between identity, labor, and representation. Notice that all the figures are men, embodying a historical art world that often excluded women from its professional circles. Who was invited to this table? Who was not? How might the dynamics of gender and class shape who gets to participate and whose contributions are valued? As you reflect on this scene, consider who gets remembered and who is left out of the picture.