Titelblad: Nev Thier Bvechlein 1594

Martin Pleginck created this title page in 1594, using engraving. This was a time of significant religious and political tension in Europe. The Protestant Reformation had challenged the Catholic Church, leading to conflicts and wars. The print is filled with symbolism. On either side of the text, we see figures holding chalices. It is possible that they are putti, or cherubic figures, a common motif in Renaissance art. The objects surrounding the inscription, such as candles, and tools of craftsmanship, represent the combination of religious devotion and artisanal labor. This was a cultural phenomenon during the rise of Protestantism, where one's labor was seen as a form of worship. Pleginck was working in a society grappling with evolving religious, economic, and social identities. The artwork exists as a testament to the intricate connections between faith, work, and community during this transformative period. It reminds us of the deeply personal ways individuals negotiate these intersections.