Bijbelsche geschiedenis / Nieuwe Testament 1869 - 1882

This undated print by Gerhardus Philippus Zalsman illustrates scenes from the New Testament with added verse. Prints such as this were made and circulated in the Netherlands to provide biblical education for children and adults alike in the protestant Christian tradition. They often provided accessible and condensed versions of bible stories for personal reflection. The use of Dutch language in the verses is a key feature reflecting the national and cultural identity of the people. The dissemination of these images reflects the culture of religious education and instruction in the Netherlands, where literacy rates were high, and the bible played a central role in the cultural and social life. To fully understand this print, one might research the history of religious education, print culture in the Netherlands, and the role of the bible in shaping social and cultural values. The meaning of this art is contingent on its historical and cultural context.