Vier encyclopedische voorstellingen 1765 - 1806

Johann David (I) Schleuen created this print, "Vier encyclopedische voorstellingen," sometime in the 18th century. The Enlightenment was in full swing in Europe, characterized by a surge in scientific inquiry and encyclopedic efforts to classify all knowledge. Each of the four scenes encapsulates different aspects of the natural world, from a couple riding a lion through stormy waters to an image of people walking with a dog in an open landscape. The way the images are organized, juxtaposing different elements of the world, leads to a certain degree of tension and contemplation. There's a sense of humanity trying to understand its place within these vast natural systems. These images ask us to consider our relationship with nature – how we perceive, interact with, and represent it. They reflect the period’s drive to categorize and rationalize the world, but also hints at the sublime power of nature. They remind us of the complexities and contradictions inherent in our quest for understanding.