Felix Meritis te Amsterdam 1870 - 1926

Willem Wenckebach created this drawing of Felix Meritis in Amsterdam with pen and ink. Wenckebach lived in a time of significant social and political change in the Netherlands. He witnessed the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and the growing influence of socialist ideas. Here, Wenckebach depicts the building, which was founded in the late 18th century during the Enlightenment. This was a period characterized by a belief in reason, science, and progress. Societies like Felix Meritis emerged as centers for intellectual and cultural exchange. They sought to promote knowledge and civic virtue. The name "Felix Meritis" itself translates to "fortunate by merit." Wenckebach’s drawing reflects a sense of civic pride and cultural identity. It also prompts us to consider the role of such institutions in shaping societal values, particularly in relation to class, education, and cultural capital.