Bouw van de toren van Babel 1793

Reinier Vinkeles created this engraving titled 'Construction of the Tower of Babel' in the late 18th century. Vinkeles lived during the Enlightenment, a time that emphasized reason and individualism, but also one deeply entrenched in colonial structures of power. The image depicts the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity, united in language and purpose, attempts to build a tower reaching to the heavens. God, threatened by their ambition, scatters them across the earth and confuses their language, leading to the diversity of human languages and cultures. Look at how Vinkeles renders the workers. Their bodies are idealized, almost heroic, yet they are engaged in strenuous physical labor. Consider the implications of depicting this narrative during a period marked by the rise of colonialism and the exploitation of labor. The story of Babel is, after all, about the dangers of centralized power. Vinkeles invites us to reflect on themes of unity, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power. It’s a reminder of our shared human history and the ever-present tensions between cooperation and division.