Scheikunde en mechanica 1768 - 1771

Jean Charles Delafosse created this print called 'Scheikunde en mechanica' somewhere in the 18th century. During this period, known as the Enlightenment, there was an increasing enthusiasm for science. This print, which translates to 'Chemistry and Mechanics,' reflects this passion. Each field is represented by arrangements of tools and symbolic imagery, carefully composed and set above descriptive titles. It's important to remember that 'science' was not a neutral term, and access to this field was largely limited based on gender and class. Note how Chemistry, depicted on the top, shows a human figure emerging from a globe, bathed in light. It's an image of birth and transformation, a subtle nod to the alchemical roots of chemistry. Meanwhile, Mechanics, below, evokes a world of measurement and control. Consider how the print may reinforce the gendered nature of scientific practice at the time. 'Scheikunde en mechanica' invites us to consider the social and cultural values which shaped the scientific revolution.