Elia voorspelt koning Achab dat er droogte zal komen 1579 - 1585

Jan Snellinck created this engraving depicting Elia's prophecy to King Ahab in the 16th or 17th century. Religious art like this played a significant public role in early modern Europe. It served not only as a devotional tool but also as a means of moral instruction and, sometimes, political commentary. Here, Snellinck places the biblical scene within a meticulously rendered, contemporary garden. This setting, with its fountains and classical statuary, reflects the tastes and values of the elite class, drawing a parallel between biblical royalty and the patrons of art. Made in the Netherlands, at the time, the image invokes questions about the relationship between religious authority and earthly power. To fully understand this work, we can consult historical texts, theological interpretations, and studies of Netherlandish culture. These help us consider the complex interplay of faith, power, and artistic expression.