Ontleend uit de gewijde geschiedenis 1850 - 1881

This is "Taken from sacred history," a print made by D. Noothoven van Goor, the piece is one of a series of educational prints entitled "Picture Magazine for the Youth". During the nineteenth century the Dutch society experienced significant social and political upheaval. This print reflects the deeply entrenched religious beliefs pervasive in Dutch culture, while the use of biblical proverbs aims to provide moral guidance to the youth during a time of rapid societal transformation. The visual narratives are explicitly masculine, with men depicted in positions of power and authority. These images reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations. There is no acknowledgment of women’s experiences, and other marginalized voices are absent from the narrative. Reflecting on this print today prompts us to consider the impact of such didactic material on shaping the cultural landscape of its time, and how it may have perpetuated exclusion. It invites contemplation about how traditional narratives can influence societal norms and expectations around identity.