Fabel van Socrates over vriendschap 1769

Simon Fokke made this etching, “Fable of Socrates on Friendship,” in the Netherlands sometime in the 18th century. Here, Socrates and his companions debate the meaning of true friendship, a concept that was widely discussed during the Enlightenment. This image creates meaning through classical references, linking the Dutch Republic to the philosophical traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. Note the architecture of the small rural house, suggesting a humble and virtuous life, in contrast to the distant city. By Fokke's time, Dutch society was highly stratified, with a powerful merchant class dominating economic and political life. Prints like this one contributed to debates about moral values. The fable encourages viewers to reflect on their relationships and society's values. To better understand this work, we can explore period writings on moral philosophy and the social history of the Dutch Republic. Through such research, we can understand how artistic production reflects and shapes social context.