Reproductie van de titelpagina van de Bijbel ontworpen door Pierre van der Borcht before 1880

This is a reproduction of the title page of the Biblia Sacra, designed in 1583 by Pierre van der Borcht, and printed in Antwerp by Christophe Plantin. The image's architectural framework, classical figures, and biblical scenes draw upon a visual vocabulary rooted in the artistic traditions of the Renaissance, where humanist values were on the rise. This biblical illustration reflects the central role of the Church during this time period, which served as a powerful institution that influenced not only spiritual life, but also shaped social norms, political structures, and artistic patronage. Antwerp was a centre for this production. To truly grasp the layers of meaning embedded in this image, historians delve into archives, libraries, and other repositories of cultural memory. By examining this reproduction through such lenses, we can uncover the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in early modern Europe, recognizing that the interpretation of art is deeply embedded within specific social and institutional contexts.