Joas, Amasja en Azarja 1585

This engraving of Joas, Amasja, and Azarja was made by Jan Snellinck around 1600 in the Netherlands. The image depicts three kings from the Old Testament and it invites us to consider the role of religious imagery in the political and social context of the time. Snellinck was working in a period of religious and political upheaval, the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The choice of subject matter reflects the interest in biblical themes and the use of religious narratives to convey moral and political messages. The artist employs visual codes such as crowns and clothing to signify their status and power, and historical associations to evoke a sense of authority. By examining historical sources such as religious texts, political pamphlets, and artistic treatises, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, religion, and politics in the early modern period.