Boaz en Ruth 1751 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles made this print titled ‘Boaz en Ruth’ sometime around the turn of the 19th century. It illustrates a scene from the Book of Ruth, a story of love, loyalty, and redemption set against a backdrop of ancient Israelite society. At its heart, the story explores the intersection of gender, class, and foreignness. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, after the death of her husband, returning with her to Bethlehem. There, she gleans in the fields to survive, an act of both humility and determination. She is, in essence, an immigrant. The scene depicts Boaz, a wealthy landowner, taking notice of Ruth and offering her protection and provision. This moment is charged with social and economic implications, as Boaz extends his favor to a vulnerable woman from a foreign land. It’s a testament to the power of empathy and the potential for love to transcend cultural boundaries, even within rigid social hierarchies. The print invites us to contemplate the responsibilities of the privileged towards the marginalized.