De geboorte, van den zaligmaker Jezus Christus, uyt de Maaget Maria 1738

This print, titled "The Birth of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary," was made in Amsterdam by Gijsbert de Groot Keur. The image shows eight scenes, like a storyboard, depicting the life of Christ. The Netherlands in this period was deeply shaped by religious and political upheaval. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating religious ideas and moral values. The artist was also a bookseller; this was a time when the printing press was a powerful tool. It had the capacity to influence public opinion and challenge existing social norms. Looking closer, the style is quite simple and accessible. This suggests that it was made for a broad audience rather than a wealthy elite. What was the role of the church at the time this artwork was created? What kind of patronage networks were available to artists like Keur? These are the questions that institutional histories can help us answer, so we can better understand art’s place in society.