Godsvrucht 1845 - 1846

Franciscus Bernardus Waanders created this print titled 'Godsvrucht,' which translates to 'Godliness' or 'Fruits of Piety,' using lithography, a medium that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Note how the artist creates a tableau of devotion, a family united in prayer before a wayside shrine, set against a romanticized, yet humble, backdrop of nature. The composition reflects the period’s emphasis on piety and familial virtue, particularly within the rising middle class. Gender plays a crucial role here, with women depicted as the main figures of religious observance, reinforcing their expected role as moral guardians. The generational differences in dress and posture suggest varying degrees of adherence to traditional values. Waanders invites us to reflect on the emotional weight of faith within the domestic sphere and its role in shaping individual and collective identity. The print subtly navigates the tensions between personal piety and societal expectations, revealing a complex interplay of class, gender, and religious expression.