Interieur van de Bodleian Library te Oxford 1675

This engraving of the interior of the Bodleian Library in Oxford was made by David Loggan, a Danzig-born artist working in England in the late 17th century. It shows the library's layout from two different perspectives, highlighting its architecture and the arrangement of its vast collection of books. Libraries like the Bodleian were vital to the intellectual and cultural life of 17th-century England. The classical design reflects the importance of ancient learning to the University's mission of instruction. Yet, the figures populating these halls, with their fine clothing and gentlemanly demeanour, tell us something about the library's social function. This was a space of learning, but also of social distinction. A place where class and status were reinforced. To fully understand this image, we would need to consult historical records, university archives, and social histories of the period. By doing so, we can learn more about the library's role in shaping knowledge and power in early modern England.