Astronomie in een vertrek 1703 - 1767

Jacob Folkema created this engraving, "Astronomie in een vertrek," sometime in the 18th century in the Netherlands. The image presents a scene of allegorical learning and leisure. A woman, perhaps representing Urania, the muse of astronomy, sits with a book, while a cupid figure playfully engages with astronomical tools. In 18th century Dutch culture, the rise of scientific inquiry coincided with the enlightenment. The inclusion of both the muse and the cupid can be seen as an allegory of the synthesis of both reason and passion in the pursuit of knowledge. To further understand this work, we might research the cultural role of scientific societies in the Netherlands during this period. The Rijksmuseum’s collection can tell us a great deal about the visual culture and social values of the time. Such investigation can reveal the complex social and intellectual context in which this print was created.