Encyclopedische voorstelling van fossielen, geometrie, ijskristallen en ovens 1774

This is Johanna Dorothea Sysang's 'Encyclopedic Representation of Fossils, Geometry, Ice Crystals and Ovens', made some time in the 1700s. Sysang was one of the few women working as an artist and natural scientist at this time. This print gives us insight into the world as it was understood through the Enlightenment. The categories here—fossils, geometry, ice crystals, and ovens—speak to the scientific and intellectual projects which shaped 18th century European society. These categories were often only accessible to wealthy white men. Sysang’s work in science and art offered an alternative narrative, pushing against the strict gender roles that defined her era. The print reflects a moment in time when the pursuit of knowledge was seen as key to unlocking the mysteries of the world. As you look at each carefully rendered object, consider how scientific illustration played a role in shaping and communicating knowledge at this moment in history. It invites us to reflect on who gets to produce knowledge and how diverse perspectives can enrich our understanding of the world.