Allegorie op de wetenschap 1696

Curator: This engraving from 1696 by Jeremias van Schaak is titled "Allegory of Science". The baroque print presents an elaborate scene, almost a stage for scientific inquiry. What is your first impression? Editor: Well, the first thing that strikes me is the composition, its symbolic density. The figures seem to be arranged in a hierarchy, or at least in layers of importance, rising towards the celestial imagery at the top. There is something rather theatrical about the drama here. Curator: Absolutely. This kind of staging reflects the social standing science was beginning to achieve. Here, we see an allegorical figure of science seated above others on a pedestal. Take note of the female figure, stepping triumphantly over a defeated man, who is thought to personify ignorance. Note also that she holds the sun as the light of knowledge in her left hand and an open book. These are all popular iconographic depictions, however here the inclusion of written papers underfoot refers to new emerging sciences from figures such as Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. Editor: The crushed figure at the base feels rather violent, doesn't it? Is this to portray how radical and destructive new sciences might be to prior thought? I think, on balance, the inclusion of written text elevates the value that van Schaak placed on the empirical science and observations. Curator: Precisely! In Dutch society at this time, scientific achievements were becoming national emblems, but it's true the visual vocabulary does seem a little strident. We see figures rising in their devotion to science on one side, while an "all seeing eye" emits sun rays on the other. There are clear lines of influence and allegiance, which underscores the perceived power structures supporting the emerging science, almost as if seeking to divine a national story of exceptional Dutch brilliance and vision in scientific endeavour. Editor: And perhaps the Baroque style intensifies this sense of drama and significance, what with the dynamism and grandeur we see across other art forms from this era. There is a sense of progress being heralded. The imagery gives authority, lending a new visual framework for Dutch values, but at the cost of earlier traditions and perhaps superstitions. Curator: A fitting perspective. Understanding prints such as this reveals just how new philosophical and intellectual landscapes shape the political climate. Editor: Indeed, this detailed image shows us not just the science, but also its self-image and what it was aiming for as it began to emerge on the European stage.