Industria bijgestaan door Kennis, Waarheid en Tijd 1716 - 1761

Pieter Tanjé created this print, "Industria bijgestaan door Kennis, Waarheid en Tijd," sometime in the 18th century. Here, classical allegories come to life, embodying Industry, Knowledge, Truth, and Time. Time, often depicted as an old, winged man, reminds us of the relentless march forward. But look closer, and we see the cyclical nature of these symbols. Knowledge holds a book, representing accumulated wisdom, which links back to ancient traditions of scholarship. This passing of knowledge echoes through art history, resurfacing in Renaissance depictions of philosophers and continuing into modern symbols of education. These images evoke powerful feelings—a blend of awe, respect for the past, and a desire to understand our place in the ongoing story of humanity. Ultimately, the print does not present time as a linear progression. It is a symbol of the continuous return and transformation of ideas across generations, inviting us to reflect on how the past shapes our present and future.