Doortocht door de Rode Zee 1656 - 1706

Étienne Gantrel created this engraving, "Doortocht door de Rode Zee," or "Crossing of the Red Sea," around the late 17th century. The image depicts the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites to freedom, and it invites us to consider the social and cultural implications of religious narratives in art. Engravings like this one circulated widely in Europe. They served not just as illustrations of biblical tales, but also as tools for moral instruction and social cohesion. Made in France, where religious and political authority was tightly interwoven, this image subtly reinforces the power structures of the time. The heroic portrayal of Moses, leading his people to safety, could be seen as an allegory for the divine right of kings, a concept deeply embedded in the social fabric of 17th-century France. Understanding this print requires us to delve into the history of religious imagery and the political uses of art. Through careful examination of historical texts and cultural contexts, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, power, and belief.