Drie encyclopedische voorstellingen 1765 - 1806

Curator: So, here we have Johann David Schleuen’s "Drie encyclopedische voorstellingen," an engraving and etching, created somewhere between 1765 and 1806. It’s currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It strikes me as something that could be illustrating an old history book! It's got such a clear narrative feel to it, almost like a storyboard. What historical stories do you think these might be telling? Curator: Exactly! It feels like a page torn from a captivating, slightly dusty, encyclopedia. Look at the way Schleuen layers each scene. It’s not just history, but almost like little acts of remembrance. Imagine, if you will, a stage play where three different dramas unfold simultaneously. Editor: That’s interesting! The bottom scene definitely looks like a cityscape; perhaps Paris given the architecture? Do you see these scenes as connected or separate? Curator: That's a fantastic observation! You know, I lean toward seeing them as echoes of each other. Look at the deliberation in the indoor scenes, and then the vast river and architectural constructs below, that speak volumes on commerce and trade. It's the intersection of history, politics, and everyday life. Perhaps it's even a statement on progress, what do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered that! It's interesting how much history is captured in just one print. This reminds me that even ‘small’ artworks can reveal monumental things. Curator: Precisely! And sometimes the smallest, most unassuming pieces are brimming with the largest stories, aren't they?