Ster van Capellen omringd door engelen 1751 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, "Ster van Capellen omringd door engelen," using etching. The image, held at the Rijksmuseum, is more than just an aesthetic piece; it's a lens into the cultural and political landscape of its time. Here, the symbolic star represents Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, a Dutch aristocrat who advocated for democratic reforms in the late 18th century. Winged cherubs encircle the star, perhaps alluding to the enlightenment ideas associated with Capellen's political stance. Made in the Netherlands, the print reflects the era's tensions between the old aristocratic order and emerging democratic ideals. To truly understand this work, we might explore primary sources such as political pamphlets and private letters from the period, and study the institutional history of Dutch printmaking. By examining these resources, we can understand how art, even in print form, was a powerful tool for social commentary.