Geloof (Fides) 1697 - 1715

This engraving of 'Geloof', or 'Fides', was created by an anonymous artist and is preserved at the Rijksmuseum. It allegorically represents faith through a female figure, inviting reflection on the social role of trust and commitment. The image uses visual codes rooted in the cultural context of its time. The woman holds a book, possibly alluding to sacred texts or the importance of literacy in solidifying beliefs, while an unidentifiable object is being stamped. This could reflect on the institutions that uphold faith, or the binding nature of religious doctrine. The setting, with its classical ruins, evokes a sense of historical continuity and the enduring presence of faith across different eras. Understanding this print requires looking at the religious and intellectual climate in which it was made, something that can be revealed by researching similar images of the time, or the collections that included prints such as this. It is through this kind of investigation that the full meaning of the artwork may be revealed.