Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van een Bijbelse voorstelling door Antoine Wiertz before 1868

This is a photographic reproduction made by Edmond Fierlants, who lived in 19th-century Belgium, of a painting on a Biblical theme by Antoine Wiertz. The image gives us an insight into the cultural and artistic landscape of that time. In 19th-century Europe, the rise of photography as a reproductive medium had significant implications for art institutions and the wider public. Photography allowed for the mass dissemination of images, making art more accessible. However, it also challenged the traditional role of painting and sculpture as the primary means of artistic expression. This print reflects the cultural milieu in which the church played a significant role in shaping the moral and artistic values of society. Artists often turned to religious themes as a way to engage with and reinforce these values. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the cultural and institutional history of 19th-century Belgium, exploring the relationship between art, religion, and the emerging mass media.