Oudfriese zegels 1871 - 1875

Andries van Calfsbeek made these drawings of Oudfriese Zegels, or Old Frisian Seals, sometime before 1896. They're rendered in ink on paper, a seemingly simple process, yet one that speaks volumes about reproduction and historical record-keeping. Consider that these seals were originally made by carving into metal dies, a laborious process demanding specialized skills. Van Calfsbeek's drawings translate these three-dimensional objects into a two-dimensional format. The intricate details of the seals – figures, inscriptions, and heraldic symbols – are meticulously captured through the skilled application of ink. But this isn't just about accuracy. The drawings also reflect a particular 19th-century fascination with history and national identity. By documenting these symbols of Frisian regional authority, Van Calfsbeek participates in a larger project of constructing and preserving cultural heritage through mass production. This process democratizes the seals in some ways, making them available for study and appreciation in a way that the original, unique objects never could be. So, while the seals themselves speak to power and governance, the drawings point to the power of reproduction, preservation, and the stories we tell about the past.