Tafereelen uit de geschiedenis van Jezus lijden en sterven 1850

This sheet of printed images, titled ‘Tafereelen uit de geschiedenis van Jezus lijden en sterven’, was created by Jan Schuitemaker. Printed on paper, the sheet presents a series of scenes depicting the Passion of Christ. What is interesting is the means of production used: this isn't an original drawing, but a relatively inexpensive reproduction. The image is made through a printing process, likely lithography or wood engraving, allowing for mass production and wide distribution. The choice of printmaking suggests a democratization of religious imagery, making it accessible to a wider audience. This connects to broader social issues of labor and consumption. The production of these prints would have involved skilled artisans and laborers, working within a system of commercial exchange. Ultimately, the image challenges the distinction between high art and craft, reminding us that all forms of creative expression are embedded in social and economic contexts.