Verklaring van De overwinning van de Schilderkunst over de Dood (deel vijf) c. 1660

This page is from a handwritten manuscript titled "Explanation of the Victory of Painting over Death, Part Five" by Henrik Jordis, held here at the Rijksmuseum. The Netherlands in the 18th Century was a hive of artistic and intellectual activity. But the social and economic conditions of the Netherlands at this time are not well-understood, and the meaning of the text here isn't immediately obvious. We can surmise from the handwriting that the author was educated and perhaps wealthy, suggesting the existence of a privileged class engaged in artistic and intellectual pursuits. Did the artist believe painting was a bulwark against mortality? What institutional structures supported Jordis in his pursuits? Was this manuscript produced for a private patron or a wider audience? To better understand this work, we might consult historical records, letters, and other manuscripts from the period. By examining the social and institutional context, we can gain a richer understanding of the artist's intentions and the role of art in Dutch society.