Embleem van een dode leeuw 1680 - 1758

This is ‘Emblem of a Dead Lion’, a print made by Jan Goeree in the Dutch Republic, sometime between 1690 and 1731. The print depicts a classical scene of a reclining woman with cherubs, books, and a dead lion in the background. The image itself creates meaning through classical and biblical references that would have been recognizable to the educated public of the Dutch Republic. The image's Latin inscription, "Hinc Utile, Hinc Dulce," translates to "From here, useful, from here, sweet," indicating that the image may have been connected to the social and cultural context of the Dutch Golden Age. During this time, the Dutch Republic was a hub of trade and culture. The elite class embraced education, science, and the arts. The image also comments on the social structures of its time through the use of classical imagery and references, which were often associated with wealth and status. To fully understand this image, we can consult resources such as historical books, art catalogs, and online databases to better understand its meaning and significance. Art is contingent on social and institutional context, and studying its history helps us to better understand its meaning and significance.