Abraham, Sara en Hagar, omringd door uiteenlopende voorstellingen 1784

This print, "Abraham, Sara and Hagar, surrounded by various performances," was made by Benjamin Glassbach in the Netherlands around 1780. It uses etching to represent its figures and scenes. The central image depicts a story from the Book of Genesis. However, the surrounding images show scenes from daily life, science, and the arts. What is the connection between the Biblical scene and the surrounding images? The book trade in the Netherlands flourished in the 18th century. Glassbach was likely working for a publisher. His image presents us with an encyclopedic vision of the world. It demonstrates the broad scope of knowledge available to the Dutch reading public. The print's encyclopedic and secular view also participates in larger cultural shifts. The Enlightenment was challenging traditional religious authority, which could provide an alternative way of thinking about the world. Looking at publishers' archives and the history of the book trade can help us better understand this print. With more research, the print reveals Dutch society at a crossroads.