Vijf uitbeeldingen van psalmen 1701 - 1703

This print of five scenes illustrating psalms was made by Arnold Houbraken, likely in the Netherlands in the late 17th or early 18th century. It reflects the prominence of the Protestant faith in Dutch society at the time. The print’s visual construction reinforces the importance of religious devotion. The central cartouche, filled with text, is framed by biblical scenes, including one of a kneeling king illuminated by divine light. Below, vignettes depict moments of supplication and divine intervention. Through these carefully arranged images, Houbraken constructs a visual argument for the power of prayer and faith, reflecting the values of Dutch Protestant culture. As historians, we can delve deeper into the context of this print by researching the religious climate of the Dutch Republic, the role of printmaking in disseminating religious ideas, and the social function of images in shaping belief. Art like this offers a window into the cultural and institutional forces that shaped early modern society.