Author: FREEMASONRY.- EDUCATION.- SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.- MEZZOTINTS
Title: Superb large mezzotint engr. depicting the interior of the 'Instituut tot Onderwijs van Blinden' [Amsterdam, founded 1808].
Description: J. Groenewoud & Zoon. No date [ab. 1810]. Rare Proof w. all letters. Meas. appr. 42 x 48 cm. Ample margins all round. Verso a few skillfull paper restorations on fold. On good quality paper. One of the very rare proofs of this print, which was never printed in a series and distributed. We witness the visit of Louis Napoleon and his wife Hortense de Beauharnais to the the institute in 1808. Dr. J.R. Deiman, member of 'la Charité', was responsible for the project [supported by Holtrop and Kinker] and is seen explaining the goings on. Above the door a depiction of wisdom, strength and beauty between two columns. On the mezzo tint a large number of pupils of the 'Instituut', appr. 15, surrounded by teachers and the important visitors. This mezzotint scene is set in the Amsterdam Insitute for the blind founded by freemasons in 1808. The reference below the print to 'Opgericht door de broederen Vrijmetzelaaren, en aan hunne Orde met alle Eerbied opgedragen. door hun edb. Dienstwillige Dienaaren J. Groenewoud & Zoon Amsterdam [with this name active in Amsterdam 1807 - 1809; Groenewoud, J. before him active 1772 - 1805)' indicates Amsterdam around 1807 - 9: The blind children, called 'Kweekelingen' in the Instituut Guyot, occupied w. reading, weaving baskets, weaving a carpet, music, games etc. One of the pupils at the table w. a writing book in which we read 'November December 1810': Atlas van Stolk, 5566: See Van de Sande, 'Vrijmetselarij in de lage landen, p;. 101: 'De plaat is een proefdruk uit 1810; ze is nooit afgedrukt en verspreid.' A rare and decorative print.

Keywords: deaf dumb symbols blindenschrift blindenonderwijs braille prints masonic Loge