Scheikunde en mechanica 1768 - 1771

This engraving, "Scheikunde en mechanica," created by Jean Charles Delafosse between 1768 and 1771, depicts two allegories representing "Chemistry" (top) and "Mechanics" (bottom). The artist used a combination of scientific instruments and symbolic imagery to illustrate these two fields of study. Both scenes feature a central circular frame, evoking a scientific lens through which we view the subject matter. The top scene includes a globe, suggesting the global scope of chemistry, while the bottom scene features a balance scale and gears, signifying the precision and balance inherent in mechanics. The work, now located at the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the Rococo artistic style, characterized by intricate detail and a focus on elegant, decorative compositions.