Tapijt met voorstelling van Anna op bezoek bij Maria, 1480-1520 1869 - 1887

This print, made by Johann Baptist Obernetter between 1840 and 1887, depicts an earlier tapestry from 1480-1520 showing Anna visiting Maria. It offers a glimpse into the domestic lives of women within a religious context during the late medieval to early Renaissance period. Consider how women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, yet within this space, they held significant influence, particularly in religious education and family life. The tapestry shows Anna and Maria in what looks like quiet study and reflection. These moments of learning would have been crucial for women’s personal development and faith. Often, these scenes, rendered in textiles, offered a rare opportunity for women to express their creativity and personal beliefs, as their craft became a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. Tapestries like this one not only decorated spaces, but also enriched the communal understanding of religious narratives, reflecting and shaping the identities of its makers and viewers alike.