Gebed voor de maaltijd 1608 - 1610

Claes Jansz. Visscher created this engraving, “Prayer Before the Meal,” sometime in the early 17th century in the Netherlands. It depicts a well-to-do family pausing to give thanks before eating. The image offers a glimpse into the social and religious norms of the time. The family's attire and the abundance of food on the table indicate their privileged status in a society marked by significant economic disparities. During this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a golden age of prosperity and Calvinism which emphasized personal piety and moral conduct, was becoming dominant. Family prayers would have been a regular aspect of life, reinforcing social bonds. To understand this artwork, we can look to a variety of archival sources, like period sermons or conduct manuals, to appreciate the nuances of religious practice and social etiquette. The Rijksmuseum also holds a vast collection of works from this period, offering a broader context for understanding Visscher's art.