Kunsten en wetenschappen betuigen eer aan Karel Theodoor, Hertog van Beieren 1779

This etching was made by Joseph Fratrel in the 18th century to honor Charles Theodore, Duke of Bavaria. The print allegorically represents the arts and sciences paying tribute to the Duke. Created in the visual style of the European Enlightenment, the image uses classical imagery to associate the Duke with the virtues of wisdom, peace, and prosperity. It shows a scene that elevates the Duke as a patron and protector of the arts and sciences. The work reflects the importance of patronage in 18th-century Europe, where rulers often used artistic and intellectual achievements to bolster their legitimacy and prestige. Understanding this artwork requires considering the social and political context of the time. Research into the Duke's reign, his patronage of the arts, and the broader intellectual climate of 18th-century Bavaria would give us much more insight into the cultural values that shape the making and interpretation of art.