[Dit is] nu het vervolg der nagebleeven schat van Jacob Cats, waarin veel wonderen zyn vervat 1761 - 1804

Editor: This engraving, “[Dit is] nu het vervolg der nagebleeven schat van Jacob Cats, waarin veel wonderen zyn vervat,” from somewhere between 1761 and 1804 by Erven de Weduwe Jacobus van Egmont. It’s filled with all these little narrative scenes, like a comic strip of its time. I find the overall impression intriguing; what sense do you make of its imagery? Curator: Each small scene acts as a miniature emblem, a symbol pregnant with meaning. Consider the recurring motifs – kings, lovers, illness, and deliverance. They function as a cultural memory bank, a visual repository of moral lessons and societal values that would have resonated deeply with viewers of the time. Notice how recurring figures within the scenes share similar clothing styles and characteristics. Why do you think the artist rendered the figures this way? Editor: It provides clarity, making each figure immediately legible. It helps differentiate between classes too! Curator: Precisely. These images draw upon familiar visual tropes. Each element speaks a codified language. It is almost like they all represent scenes of moral instruction that were immediately recognizable in Dutch society at that time. The symbolic weight is incredible when you know that. It is interesting to think about the scenes removed from their intended time. Editor: I’m starting to see it. The images aren’t just illustrations; they are reflections of a shared understanding. Now I see there is a system. Curator: Absolutely, this engraving gives a glimpse into a past world, its values, and how those were visually communicated and understood.