Zaal der Natuurkunde in Felix Meritis, 1789 1801

Reinier Vinkeles created this engraving in 1789, depicting the physics hall inside the Felix Meritis building in Amsterdam. The image captures a lecture or demonstration in progress, set against a backdrop of rapt faces. Consider how the pursuit of scientific knowledge was often a privilege reserved for a select group, predominantly white, upper-class men. The composition and setting reinforce this exclusivity, with the architecture of the hall itself suggesting a space designed for a certain kind of learning and a specific demographic. This pursuit of knowledge, framed by the Enlightenment values of reason and progress, also raises questions about who benefits from this knowledge and at whose expense. The print invites us to reflect on the relationship between scientific progress and social equity. It also captures a moment in time when science was seen as a beacon of hope, and serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of considering its impact on society as a whole.