Titelblad til Nye Samling af det kgl. danske Vidensk. Selskabs Skrifter I 1781 1781

Frederik Ludvig Bradt created this title page for Nye Samling in 1781. The composition is dominated by a symmetrical arrangement of figures and architectural elements, rendered in precise detail with a limited tonal range. The linear quality of the engraving emphasizes clarity and order, evoking a sense of classical rationality. The mirrored composition features two seated figures, one absorbed in text, the other with a globe. They flank a statue atop a pedestal and beneath an entablature, creating a tripartite structure which serves as a metaphor for the pursuit of knowledge, where classical learning and scientific exploration are harmoniously aligned. The overall layout creates a visual dialogue between the observer and the allegorical content, inviting contemplation on the foundations of intellectual inquiry. The visual balance in this print extends beyond aesthetics; it is indicative of the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and structured thought. In its totality, the piece uses neoclassical forms to frame the ideals of scholarly endeavor.