Uitzending van de twaalf apostelen / Christus prijst de arme weduwe 1716 - 1791

Pieter Tanjé made this print, depicting two scenes from the New Testament, sometime in the mid-18th century in the Netherlands. The print illustrates the sending of the twelve apostles and Christ praising the poor widow. The Dutch Republic was, at this time, a Protestant nation with its own distinct take on Christianity. Religious prints like this one were popular among Dutch households as they reinforced Christian values. Tanjé was a skilled engraver, and the print would have been made using metal plates. This allowed for multiple copies to be produced, making the artwork accessible to a wider audience. These scenes are not just religious stories, but also social lessons. The apostles are sent out to spread the word, and the widow's generosity is praised, reminding viewers of the importance of charity and community. Understanding the social conditions that shaped artistic production relies on considering the historical context, theological debates, and the institutions that supported or commissioned such work. Researching these aspects can further illuminate the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple print.