Waaier 1619

Robert Bonnart created this print of a fan, using etching on paper, in the late 17th or early 18th century. The image depicts a festive event on a river, likely in Italy, judging from the inscription, with crowds of people gathered to watch. This print offers insight into the social life and entertainment of the European elite. The scene suggests a carefully orchestrated public event, designed to display power and wealth. It speaks to the importance of spectacle in early modern European culture, and it provides an opportunity to consider the role of the artist in representing and promoting the interests of the ruling classes. Further research into the specific historical context of the depicted event, including the location, the occasion, and the individuals involved, would allow us to understand more fully the social and political dynamics at play. Prints like these serve as valuable historical documents, offering insights into the values, beliefs, and social structures of past societies.