Bijbelsche geschiedenissen uit het Oude Testament 1871 - 1908

This print, titled "Biblical Stories from the Old Testament", was made by W. Cheshire, and published in Amsterdam by J. Vlieger, purveyor of prints and prayer books. Prints like this one circulated widely and cheaply in the Netherlands and elsewhere, bringing biblical stories into everyday life. Consider how the image creates meaning through visual codes. Here, the artist represents key scenes from Genesis: the expulsion from paradise; Noah's Ark; Hagar and Ishmael; and Abraham's offering. The choice to depict these particular scenes, and the visual language used, speaks to the cultural values and religious beliefs of the time. Were these prints intended to reinforce religious teachings, or to spark critical reflection? What role did they play in shaping public understanding of scripture? Were they primarily for private devotion or public instruction? To truly understand this artwork, we need to delve into the history of printmaking and its impact on religious culture in the Netherlands. Resources such as period publications, religious tracts, and archival records can provide insights into the social and institutional context in which this print was created and consumed.