The Six Prophets of the Coming of Christ 1550 - 1619

Editor: Here we have Jan van der Straet’s "The Six Prophets of the Coming of Christ," made between 1550 and 1619. It's an ink drawing with an incredible amount of detail. The prophets in the foreground seem very grounded and weighty compared to the ethereal figures above. What is your interpretation of this work, especially in terms of its historical context? Curator: This drawing, made with ink, offers a window into the religious and social climate of the late Renaissance. Consider the Reformation, still fresh in people's minds during this period. How do you think a drawing depicting Old Testament prophets anticipating Christ would be received differently depending on the viewer's religious leaning? The medium, a relatively easily reproducible drawing, suggests a desire for wider distribution of these images, influencing public perceptions of religious history. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. The printing medium probably played a big part in circulating and shaping these ideas. I'm struck by how the arrangement of the figures--prophets below and the holy family scene above--feels very deliberate. What's the function of such arrangements in artworks of the time? Curator: These arrangements weren't accidental. Think about the patronage system of the time. Patrons, often religious orders or wealthy individuals, commissioned such works. The specific arrangement of figures would often reflect their theological beliefs and social agendas. In this piece, consider the emphasis on prophecy and lineage, perhaps intended to legitimize the authority of the Church in the face of Protestant challenges to established traditions and interpretations of scripture. How do these artistic decisions impact how people interpret sacred stories and hierarchies? Editor: I hadn’t considered how strategic the artistic choices must have been for religious or political messaging! Thanks for shining a light on the public role that art could play. Curator: My pleasure. Examining art within its historical framework really enriches our comprehension. I’m so glad we got to talk about "The Six Prophets," today, there’s definitely more to this drawing than initially meets the eye.