Illuminatie van het pand van de Oprechte Vaderlandsche Sociëteit op het Westnieuwland te Rotterdam, 1788 1788

This print by Franciscus Sansom, made in 1788, depicts the illuminated facade of the Oprechte Vaderlandsche Sociëteit in Rotterdam. The building's facade is adorned with symbolic imagery relevant to the Age of Enlightenment. Note the emblematic figures and scenes that celebrate knowledge, reason, and civic virtue; a common theme in the period of political and philosophical change that we now call the Age of Enlightenment. The illuminated windows, and the allegorical scenes evoke a sense of optimism and progress. This symbolic display can be seen as a modern-day echo of triumphal arches and victory columns. These earlier architectural statements were used to celebrate military or dynastic power, now reborn in the context of civic pride and intellectual achievement. The recurrence of such motifs is not coincidental. They linger in our collective memory, resurfacing in new contexts, shaped by societal aspirations. The building radiates, speaking to our deepest desire for enlightenment.