Amsterdam, Felix Meritis – Noach van der Meer after Jacob Otten Husly, 1789

“Voorgevel van het gebouw der maatschappyë Felix Meritis binnen Amsterdam” [Front façade of the building of the society Felix Meritis in Amsterdam], etching with engraving made by Noach van der Meer Jr. after drawings by architect Jacob Otten Husly and Jacques Kuyper (who drew the figures), published in 1789 by Cornelis Sebille Roos. Sheet size: 40 × 29.2 cm.

The society Felix Meritis (“Happy through Merit”) was founded in 1777 by the well-to-do citizenry of Amsterdam. From the act of foundation: “The main aim of the Society is, by way of useful recreation, to cultivate intellect and virtue through the practice of arts and sciences, and to promote social interaction among the Members. In all activities one shall avoid anything that could offend differing religions, moral convictions or political opinions, and the directors are obliged to guard carefully against this.”

Felix Meritis thus sought to promote the arts and sciences, a popular pursuit in the Age of Enlightenment. The city at the time abounded with both small and large societies, ranging from very exclusive to broadly accessible, where like-minded individuals could meet.

The society was divided into five departments: music, physics, commerce, literature, and drawing. The symbols of these disciplines were displayed on the façade of the large building that the society opened eleven years later on the Keizersgracht. Each department had its own space: there was an auditorium, a chemical laboratory, rooms for physics, a drawing room, and an observatory in the cupola on the roof.

In this etching/engraving we see the impressive building on the Keizersgracht, with Corinthian columns against the façade, designed by Jacob Otten Husly.

Price: Euro 150,-