Zes voorstellingen uit de oudere, middelste en nieuwere geschiedenis 1790

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki created these six scenes from older, middle, and more recent history with etching. During the Enlightenment, there was a focus on reason and progress, but also a fascination with history. Chodowiecki captures key historical moments, but it’s important to consider whose history is being told. Notice how each scene depicts a different aspect of power, from royal ceremonies to religious events and executions. The images are small, but they present a comprehensive view of society. Chodowiecki’s work invites us to consider how historical narratives are constructed and how they reflect the values and biases of the time. How do these images make you feel about the events they portray? Are these moments of triumph, tragedy, or something in between? Ultimately, the artwork invites us to reflect on the complexities of history and the enduring power of visual representation in shaping our understanding of the past.