Plaque with Elijah Fed by Ravens 1658

This earthenware tile depicting Elijah Fed by Ravens was made in the Netherlands, likely in the 1700s. The blue and white design presents us with a biblical story, but it also reflects the cultural and economic conditions of its time. Notice the serene landscape, complete with grazing cows, alongside the depiction of Elijah being fed. This imagery speaks to the Dutch Republic's economic prosperity, built on agriculture and trade. Yet, the biblical reference reminds us of the importance of religion in Dutch society and culture at this time. Dutch artists and artisans were also involved in a robust print culture, and this plaque resembles popular prints and book illustrations. To understand this plaque better, we might research the role of Delftware in Dutch households, examine popular print imagery of the time, and explore how the Bible was interpreted and visualized in Dutch culture. What we see here is not just a religious scene, but a reflection of a society's values, beliefs, and material life.