Twee putti onthullen en lauweren een wapenschild 1722

This print was made in 1722 by Bernard Picart and shows two putti unveiling and honoring a coat of arms. The image blends classical allegory with contemporary heraldry, revealing the cultural values of its time. Putti, derived from classical art, symbolize innocence and divine intervention. The coat of arms, prominently displayed, represents familial prestige and lineage in the hierarchical society of the 18th century. Made in the Dutch Republic, this print reflects the cultural and economic structures of the time, when powerful families dominated social and political life. As a historian, when I look at this print, I want to understand the role of heraldry in shaping social identity. I want to know what family is represented by that coat of arms. By researching primary sources, such as genealogical records and historical texts, we can understand the social conditions that shaped the artwork. This print shows us that the meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.