Tafereelen uit het leven der profeten Elia en Eliza 1850 - 1881

This illustrated print was made by Dirk Noothoven van Goor, and it presents scenes from the lives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. As a reproduction, it’s made through industrial processes, involving both design and manufacturing. The fine lines were likely etched onto a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper, a relatively efficient way to create multiple copies. The linear quality and repetition speak to the labor involved, a process where precision and consistency were key. Consider how this contrasts with the biblical stories depicted. The narratives are about faith, miracles, and divine intervention, but the medium used to convey them—printing—relies on mechanical reproduction and mass distribution. The print’s texture and weight also contribute to its significance. The paper is thin and the ink is dark, creating a stark contrast that emphasizes the clarity of the images. Ultimately, understanding the materials and processes behind this print allows us to appreciate its role in disseminating religious stories, and the labor involved in making it accessible to a wider audience.