Tekst uit de inleiding over de bouw van Felix Meritis, p. 1-2 1789 - 1791

Editor: So, this print, "Tekst uit de inleiding over de bouw van Felix Meritis, p. 1-2," dates back to between 1789 and 1791. It’s by Cornelis Sebille Roos. The print shows two columns of text, one in Dutch and the other in French. What immediately strikes me is its formal layout, the typeface feels so of its time. How do you interpret this work within its historical context? Curator: This isn't just text; it's a proclamation, a statement of Enlightenment ideals taking physical form. The Felix Meritis society, as described here, was a product of its time – the late 18th century. Can you see how it embodies the era's drive for accessible knowledge and artistic expression? Editor: Yes, the very act of printing and distributing this text signifies that accessibility. But how does the societal context shape our understanding of the building itself? Curator: Well, the building was conceived as a center for arts and sciences during a period of immense social and political upheaval. It coincides with the French Revolution; revolution was in the air. Consider this society: who were its members? Who had access to this “Felix Meritis?" Was it truly open to everyone, or were there social barriers based on class, gender, or even race, that subtly shaped its purpose? Editor: That's a point I hadn't considered. It sounds progressive, but likely not for everyone... Curator: Exactly. Exploring the societal context—the inclusions and exclusions—helps reveal the full story. So, while celebrating the Enlightenment spirit, we also have to consider who was left outside those ideals. It also asks who is left outside now. Editor: It is something to think about when celebrating classic work, who are we forgetting in this appreciation? Curator: Precisely. This print serves as a reminder to interrogate even the most seemingly enlightened endeavors and think who gets a voice in Art History. Editor: This has made me see that this seemingly simple historical document really has much more to say.