Jacob worstelt met de engel c. 1660 - 1675

This is an embroidered linen panel depicting "Jacob Wrestling with the Angel," made by an anonymous artist. Embroidery like this was often produced in the Netherlands. This piece is a great illustration of the connections between religion, domestic life, and artistic creation in that time. The central image of Jacob wrestling with the angel is surrounded by decorative flowers and angels, creating a visual harmony that reflects the values of order and piety in Dutch society. The choice of this particular biblical scene may reflect the cultural and political history of the time. Jacob's struggle can be seen as a symbol of the Dutch people's own fight for independence and religious freedom. To understand this artwork better, we would need to research the social and religious context of the time, looking at sources such as contemporary literature, sermons, and political pamphlets. The meaning of art is always contingent on the social and institutional context in which it is made and viewed.