Spotprent over de kunsthistoricus Abraham Bredius before 1893

This is a caricature of Abraham Bredius by Theo van Hoytema, made in 1893 using an unknown printing technique, displayed here in the Rijksmuseum. The central image of Bredius, donned in clerical robes, presiding over a baptism suggests a purification ritual. He is surrounded by figures presenting artworks for his assessment. This act, seemingly innocent, echoes a deeper cultural anxiety about authenticity and the power of validation. The baptismal font as a site for testing the genuineness of art is a symbolic echo of religious cleansing. The gesture of dunking or presenting art for inspection is reminiscent of the trials faced by religious heretics throughout history. This connection between religious judgment and artistic evaluation reveals how cultural values are passed down through generations, shifting in meaning. The anxiety that resonates from this cartoon remains a psychological force. The quest for authenticity and the fear of deception engage viewers on a subconscious level, reflecting our own anxieties about the past and the value we place on cultural heritage.