Illustraties vaderlandse geschiedenis

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Created between 1777 and 1784, *Illustraties vaderlandse geschiedenis* represents Simon Fokke’s contribution to a growing 18th-century interest in Dutch national identity. Fokke, a prolific Amsterdam-based draftsman and etcher, specialized in small historical scenes intended for book illustration. This delicate work on paper, measuring just 109 by 120 millimeters, likely served as a preparatory drawing or finished print for a publication recounting key episodes from the Netherlands’ past. The intimate format reflects the era’s popular demand for affordable, educational imagery that brought history into private homes. Such illustrations helped shape a shared sense of “vaderlandse” (fatherland) heritage during a period of political reflection. The presence of collector’s mark Lugt 2228 further situates the sheet within distinguished print collections, underscoring its enduring appeal to those preserving Dutch visual culture.

About the Artist

Simon Fokke · 1712–1784

Comment on works: Draugstman; Portrait