Gedenkteken voor Johan Diederich Deiman 1783

Marten Houtman created this print, *Gedenkteken voor Johan Diederich Deiman*, in 1783. Commemorative prints like this were common in the Netherlands, as were allegorical representations of virtues and sciences. Here, we see an angel holding a portrait frame above an allegorical figure of science, who is seated among books and scientific instruments near a tomb. We can see the Dutch Republic's emphasis on learning and intellectual pursuits in Houtman's choice of imagery, reflecting the values of the rising merchant class and the importance of education in maintaining social status. The flame above the angel’s head refers to enlightenment. To understand this print better, we might look into the history of Dutch science and education in the 18th century, as well as the iconography of memorial prints and how they functioned within Dutch society. Art like this reflects the cultural values of its time, something we can better understand through careful historical analysis.