Antiekliefhebber 1780

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created this etching called ‘Antiekliefhebber’, or ‘Antiques Lover’ in German, sometime in the late 18th century. The image shows a collector, surrounded by antiquities, poring over a small object in his hands. Here, the artist presents us with a scene of private consumption and individual pleasure. Made in Germany, the print reflects a growing interest in the classical world. Spurred on by archaeological discoveries and the rise of museums, the late 18th century saw an explosion in the trade and collection of ancient artifacts. Collecting became a popular pastime for the wealthy, and this print gently pokes fun at the mania for antiquities that gripped Europe at the time. To understand this image better, we might look at the history of collecting, the growth of museums, and the rise of consumer culture in 18th-century Europe. This artwork helps us consider how art reflects the social trends of its time.