Gedenksteen voor Coster bij 400-jarig jubileum uitvinding boekdrukkunst, 1823 1823

M. Massé created this print in 1823 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Coster's supposed invention of printing. The monument, rendered in delicate lines, dominates the composition. Its symmetrical structure, from the rectilinear base to the pedimented top, exudes a formal, classical stability. Yet, this solidity is softened by the surrounding natural elements; trees frame the memorial, and the sketchy, informal lines used to depict foliage contrast with the monument's rigid form. The iron fence creates a visual barrier, adding a layer of depth and suggesting a boundary between the viewer and the venerated past. The monumentality of the memorial can be seen as a signifier in semiotic terms; it speaks to cultural values of remembrance, history, and the importance of technological innovation. The print’s linear emphasis and stark contrast invite contemplation on how societies construct and preserve historical narratives. The print also functions as a cultural artifact, reminding us of the constructed nature of history.