Grafmonument voor Jan Six 1700 - 1702

Pieter van den Berge created this print, "Grafmonument voor Jan Six," sometime around the late 17th to early 18th century, a period marked by significant social stratification. It memorializes Jan Six, an influential figure in Amsterdam. This print reveals how power and identity were constructed and commemorated in Dutch society. Six wasn't just anyone; he was part of the ruling class in Amsterdam. Van den Berge uses symbolism to communicate Six’s status and virtues. We see allegorical figures – symbols of virtue and remembrance. The Latin inscription, "Velut inter ignes luna minor," translates to "Like the moon among lesser fires," suggesting Six’s prominence. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its attempt to immortalize a man whose identity was deeply intertwined with the city's governance. Consider how such imagery served to reinforce social hierarchies. It invites us to reflect on who gets remembered and how, revealing the power dynamics inherent in historical narratives.