Lidmaatschapsbewijs van een Rotterdamse sociëteit 1800 - 1841

This membership certificate for a Rotterdam society was made by Joannes Bemme, most likely sometime in the early 19th century. It’s an etching, which means that the design was incised into a metal plate, probably copper, with a sharp tool. Ink was then applied, and the plate pressed against paper to transfer the image. Notice the incredible detail achieved through this process, especially in the allegorical figures and the weaponry at the base. The circular frame at the center was left blank to record the name of the member. Etching was a printmaking technique well-suited to mass production, which made it popular for certificates and other documents. The fine lines and tonal gradations give the print an aesthetic appeal, elevating it beyond mere utility. In this way, the artist and the process contribute to giving institutional membership a sense of prestige and enduring value. This certificate becomes more than just a slip of paper; it’s a token of belonging and a symbol of social status.