Bloemenvaas geflankeerd door Inventie en Arbeid c. 1675

Gerard de Lairesse made this print, "Vase of Flowers Flanked by Invention and Labour" in the Netherlands. Here we have a display of Dutch pride during the Golden Age. A vase of locally grown flowers, a highly valued status symbol, takes centre stage. It is flanked by allegorical figures, Invention, with her winged helmet, and Labour holding a spade, representing key aspects of Dutch society that contributed to the country's wealth. This image creates meaning through classical visual codes and cultural references. The Dutch Golden Age was a period of unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. During this time, Dutch artists made work for a new class of wealthy merchants and civic leaders. The print is very much tied to institutional history and it can be seen as a reflection of the cultural and social values of the Dutch elite, and would have circulated through the print market as luxury commodity. By delving into the archives and libraries of the Rijksmuseum, we can deepen our understanding of this work, and place it in its full social and institutional context.