Uil met bril en boeken c. 1625

Cornelis Bloemaert created this engraving, "Owl with Glasses and Books," in the 17th century, a time when the Dutch Republic was flourishing economically and culturally. Here, the owl is not just an animal, but a figure laden with meaning. Wearing glasses and perched over books, the owl embodies the pursuit of knowledge, yet the Dutch text below, translates to "What avails a candle or spectacles, If the owl will not see?" In this period, owls were often associated with foolishness, suggesting that wisdom cannot be forced upon those unwilling to learn. Consider how Bloemaert uses the image of an animal, typically associated with the night and with limited sight, to comment on human intellect and perception. Perhaps he critiques society's obsession with learning without genuine understanding, or maybe he's reflecting on the limits of education when faced with ignorance. Ultimately, Bloemaert leaves us contemplating the complex relationship between knowledge, wisdom, and the human condition.