Ferdinand Huyck keert terug uit den vreemde. Illustratie voor het gelijknamige boek van Jacob van Lennep Possibly 1887

David Bles created this drawing, "Ferdinand Huyck Returns from Abroad," as an illustration for Jacob van Lennep's book of the same name. Made in the Netherlands in 1837, the image reflects the 17th-century setting of van Lennep's historical novel, evidenced in the clothing of the central figure. In the 19th century, historical novels became a popular way of thinking about the past. Here, Bles helps to construct the reader's experience through an illustration that evokes a romantic vision of Dutch history. This image creates meaning through a set of visual and cultural codes, such as the walking stick and bag slung over the shoulder, that signal the character's journey and implied return to his homeland. To understand this artwork better, we might look at the history of Dutch illustration, the publishing industry, and the market for historical novels at that time. By considering the social and institutional context, we can appreciate the role of art in shaping collective memory.