Christus in Getsemane 1742

Jan Punt created this print, "Christus in Getsemane," in 1762 using etching and engraving techniques. At its centre, Christ kneels in the Garden of Gethsemane, an angel offering him solace, while smaller scenes encircle this central image, each depicting a moment from the Passion of Christ. This work comes from the Dutch Republic, a society deeply shaped by its Protestant faith. The detailed, narrative approach reflects the didactic role art often played, aiming to educate and reinforce religious doctrine. Moreover, the print's availability speaks to a burgeoning market for accessible art, moving away from exclusive patronage. To understand Punt's work, scholars explore printed Bibles, theological tracts, and the records of printmakers' guilds. By situating it within its social and institutional contexts, we see art not just as aesthetic expression, but as a reflection of broader cultural forces.