Vignet op het tweede eeuwfeest van de Alteratie te Amsterdam, 1778 1778

Jan Fokke created this vignette in 1778 to commemorate the second centenary of the Alteration in Amsterdam. The central figure, a scribe, writes in a book while gesturing towards a cityscape, surrounded by symbols rich in meaning. Notice the lamps on either side, ancient symbols of enlightenment and vigilance, echoing motifs seen in classical antiquity. The act of writing itself is a powerful gesture. It has been seen across cultures as a means of preserving memory and shaping history. Think of ancient Egyptian scribes recording the pharaohs' deeds, or medieval monks illuminating sacred texts. The bell hanging to the left, often associated with announcements and warnings, reminds us of the continuous call to remember and reflect on the past. The vignette compels us to confront history not as a linear progression but as a cyclical process of remembrance and reinterpretation. These symbols engage viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a deep emotional and psychological connection to the past.