Zinnebeelden des profeets Davids 1806 - 1830

Johan Noman, a bookseller from Zaltbommel, produced this print, entitled “Emblems of the Prophet David,” sometime before his death in 1833. The print depicts nine scenes from David's life, each functioning as an allegory. Prints like these gained popularity in the Netherlands during the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the strong influence of the Protestant Reformation. With its emphasis on individual interpretation of the Bible, Protestantism encouraged a more personal and symbolic understanding of religious stories. The artist draws from this tradition, reducing Biblical events to symbolic narratives that were easily and cheaply reproducible for a mass audience. The print, published by a local bookseller rather than a major art institution, speaks to the democratization of art and religious knowledge during this period. To gain deeper insight, one might research the publishing practices of the Dutch book trade, or examine the popular religious movements of the time, in order to understand the print’s historical context and intended audience.