Epitaaf versierd met cartouches 1757 - 1758

This ornamented epitaph with cartouches was designed by Jacob Folkema, an engraver active in the late 17th century. The open book at the bottom and the epitaph at the center signal a dedication, framed by acanthus leaves and flourishing flora. Consider the open book, a symbol that transcends mere literacy. In antiquity, open scrolls signified divine law and wisdom. As Christianity spread, this evolved, with books representing sacred texts like the Gospels. Here, the book sits prominently, framed by acanthus leaves, a motif favored in classical architecture and funerary art, symbolizing both artistic skill and eternal life. The use of acanthus reminds us of similar motifs in ancient Greece and Rome, particularly in funerary contexts. Yet, here, entwined with baroque ornamentation, its meaning shifts, reflecting a Christian sensibility, a cyclical return to classical forms imbued with new spiritual significance. Such visual language taps into a deep well of cultural memory, resonating with viewers on a level that words alone cannot reach.