Titelpagina voor 'Het Groot Fransch en Nederduitsch Woordenboek' 1708

This is the title page for 'The Great French and Dutch Dictionary' by Gideon Quineau. It presents us with a rich tapestry of symbols intended to convey the essence of language and knowledge. At its heart, we see Mercury, the fleet-footed messenger of the gods, his caduceus held aloft, perched above allegorical figures representing the arts and sciences. Mercury, guide of souls, became a symbol of commerce and communication, fitting for a dictionary meant to bridge linguistic divides. His presence reminds us of the classical ideal of eloquence. Note the sphinx at the bottom left corner, a motif stretching back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Originally a guardian of sacred spaces, in the Renaissance, the sphinx was revived as an emblem of wisdom. Observe how this complex iconography creates a dynamic tableau. By engaging with these symbols, we are reminded of the deep currents of history, continually resurfacing and influencing our collective consciousness.