Titelpagina voor: Bernardus Bosch, De Eigenbaat, 1785 1785

Curator: Here we have a captivating engraving by Reinier Vinkeles, created in 1785. The piece serves as the title page for Bernardus Bosch’s book, "De Eigenbaat." Editor: It strikes me as immediately neoclassical, almost austere. The figures are draped in what appear to be Roman robes, and they are situated in a wild, dense natural scene rendered in crisp detail. Is that a dog, or a wolf? Curator: Indeed! The wolf is a symbol often connected to themes of nature, wilderness and instinct, and, of course, sometimes negative attributes such as greed. Vinkeles' engraving encapsulates the central theme of "Eigenbaat" or self-interest, doesn’t it? Editor: It does. It's fascinating to consider how an image like this operates within the specific historical and cultural context. It seems like it could also signal some type of alliance given their joined hands in this natural sphere? What were some contemporary thoughts on greed in the period in which this book was published? Curator: Absolutely. Greed, and self-interest specifically, were hot topics within intellectual circles. This image seems to hint at a moral message – a commentary on human motivation perhaps. The setting reminds me of fables and parables and invites contemplation about societal virtues. I can sense an air of judgement! Editor: Right, and within this framework of "virtue" and moral reflection that the artist seems keen on displaying here, what impact did Enlightenment ideals and sociopolitical currents have in framing this work? It must have had something to say about the burgeoning mercantile interests? Curator: Precisely. Vinkeles captures the tension between Enlightenment ideals of reason and virtue versus what some perceived as the dangers of unrestrained individualism. This engraving presents an excellent portal through which to see those anxieties reflected back to us from that historical moment. Editor: What an amazing little window into that period! Thanks to Vinkeles’ refined lines, a relatively simple image yields such depth when viewed through its historical context. Curator: It seems self-interest is always worth considering! A fitting consideration for any age, really!