Levendigen af-beeldzels van verscheyde bybelsche historien 1725 - 1780

This is ‘Living Pictures of Various Biblical Stories’ by Johannes Kannewet, printed in Amsterdam. Though undated, the print’s style and content suggest a production date sometime in the 17th or 18th century. Printed books and pamphlets were central to the rise of a Dutch public sphere, and illustrations were crucial for disseminating ideas and narratives. Here, a series of small scenes offer a visual summary of key episodes from the Bible. These pocket-sized prints were designed for a mass audience, offering a clear visual summary of the scripture. The decision to illustrate these Biblical scenes was carefully considered, taking into account the beliefs, customs, and preferences of the intended audience. To truly understand prints like these, we need to look beyond the art itself. Scholarly research into the history of printmaking, publishing, and religious culture in the Netherlands can reveal the complex social dynamics that shaped the creation and reception of such imagery.