Rolwerk langs een fries 1538 - 1598

Theodor de Bry created this print in the late 16th century using etching and engraving. The image presents a repeating frieze design, rich with symbolic details and classical motifs. Made in the Netherlands, this print exists within a society undergoing significant transformation. The Dutch Republic was asserting its independence, which fostered a burgeoning merchant class and a vibrant artistic culture. De Bry's print is a product of this environment, reflecting the era’s interest in ornament and design. The grotesque elements and the structured symmetry were popular during the late Renaissance and Mannerist periods. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, is an institution with its own history intertwined with Dutch national identity. Its collection and display practices shape how we understand art and culture. The presence of this print in such a museum signals its historical and cultural value. To understand this work better, scholars might consult period pattern books and design manuals, along with historical accounts of Dutch art and culture. Considering the social and institutional context in which art is produced, collected, and displayed offers valuable insights.