Julia knielt in het bos 1785

Noach van der Meer II created this print, "Julia knielt in het bos," or "Julia Kneels in the Woods," sometime in the 18th century in the Netherlands. It depicts a woman kneeling in a forest, an image that encapsulates the complex interplay between nature, piety, and social expectations of women during this period. The print creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references deeply rooted in the religious and social norms of the time. The forest, often a place of spiritual retreat, becomes a stage for Julia’s act of devotion, as she possibly prays to prevent hail. Consider the influence of the church at the time, and the role of piety in the lives of women. Was this a personal, internal devotion, or a public performance? Understanding this work requires looking into the social and institutional contexts that shaped its production and reception. The Rijksmuseum's archives, along with period literature and religious texts, provide invaluable insights into the cultural values and artistic conventions of the Dutch Golden Age.