Doop van Christus 1725

Jan Wandelaar made this print of the Baptism of Christ at an unknown date using etching and engraving. The scene depicts John the Baptist pouring water over the head of Jesus as a dove descends from the heavens. This image comes to us from the Dutch Republic, a culture defined by its Protestant faith. The Dutch Reformed Church emphasized a personal relationship with God and the Bible. Prints like this played a significant role in disseminating religious stories and moral lessons to a wide audience. Wandelaar was a printmaker and book illustrator, which was an important industry during the Dutch Golden Age. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, was established in the late 19th century to showcase Dutch art and history. As historians, we look to the visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations within the image to understand the social conditions that shaped its production and reception. Examining prints like this allows us to appreciate how religious and moral ideas were circulated and consumed in the Dutch Republic.