Brushstrokes of Care: An analysis of acts of caring for the book through seventeenth-century paintings

This thesis researches acts of caring for the book in seventeenth-century paintings from the Dutch Republic. Through an analysis of selected artworks from the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, it responds to and expands on existing research on the depiction of books which has overlooked the discussion of these paintings with a book historical finality. The complexity of pictorial sources is addressed by taking associated symbolisms, socio-cultural and economic contexts into consideration. In the seventeenth century, the emergence of a book and visual arts mass market, combined with a growing interest in depictions of the mundane, increased the prominence of books within artworks. The book had reached every circle of society, and its trade was growing exponentially in the newly formed Dutch Republic. These socio-cultural and economic shifts impacted our perception of books as material objects, which is reflected in an altered material appreciation. Moreover, it impacted the circumstances and...Show moreThis thesis researches acts of caring for the book in seventeenth-century paintings from the Dutch Republic. Through an analysis of selected artworks from the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, it responds to and expands on existing research on the depiction of books which has overlooked the discussion of these paintings with a book historical finality. The complexity of pictorial sources is addressed by taking associated symbolisms, socio-cultural and economic contexts into consideration. In the seventeenth century, the emergence of a book and visual arts mass market, combined with a growing interest in depictions of the mundane, increased the prominence of books within artworks. The book had reached every circle of society, and its trade was growing exponentially in the newly formed Dutch Republic. These socio-cultural and economic shifts impacted our perception of books as material objects, which is reflected in an altered material appreciation. Moreover, it impacted the circumstances and symbolisms of their depiction as well. Whereas the book remained a valuable and significant object, medium, and symbol, these changes paint an interesting scenario which introduced new opportunities and challenges to the care of the book. The analysis therefore investigates care through concrete acts of protection and maintenance of the book’s physical integrity, as well as through a more conceptual perspective which elaborates on the care of the book as a medium and symbol. Ultimately, this research outlined a refined and contextualised understanding of care which considers the omnipresence, multi-purpose functions, and everyday utilitarian uses of books in the seventeenth century. The distinction between book typologies also allowed to highlight how perceived value and purpose relate to distinctive forms of caring which extend beyond material preservation. Acts of caring for the book are balanced and/or informed by questions of accessibility, perceived value, use, and even moralising intentions.Show less

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Brushstrokes of Care: An analysis of acts of caring for the book through seventeenth-century paintings