Noach door zijne Godvrucht groot / Werd dus geholpen uyt de nood 1715 - 1780

Johannes Kannewet created this print, "Noah, through his Godliness, Great / Was thus helped out of need", in Amsterdam. During this period, the Dutch Republic experienced a surge in religious printmaking, which was closely tied to the cultural values of faith, morality, and social order. Kannewet's depiction of Noah’s Ark is more than just a biblical story; it's a mirror reflecting 17th-century Dutch society’s values and anxieties. The artist underscores the virtues of piety and obedience to God, portraying Noah as a man whose faith saves him and his family from divine punishment. Simultaneously, we can interpret the flood as a metaphor for the social upheavals and uncertainties of the time. The animals entering the ark remind us of the interconnectedness of all living beings. What does it mean to safeguard the vulnerable, and how do we decide who gets saved? The print invites us to reflect on themes of redemption, justice, and the enduring power of faith during turbulent times.