Elijah Fed by Ravens 1549

Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert made this print, Elijah Fed by Ravens, sometime in the 16th century. It shows the prophet Elijah being sustained by ravens in the wilderness, a story from the Hebrew Bible. The print was made in the Netherlands, a region undergoing significant religious and political upheaval at the time. As a reaction to the dominant power of the Catholic church, many artists turned to biblical stories for inspiration. Here, Elijah represents the faithful individual who remains true to God. Prints like this were more accessible than paintings, and so they played an important role in the Reformation, allowing for the widespread dissemination of religious ideas. The print also demonstrates a humanist interest in nature, evidenced by the detailed landscape. The interpretation of this artwork requires an understanding of the complex religious and political landscape of the 16th-century Netherlands, which can be gained through careful study of historical documents and other cultural artifacts. In this way, art offers valuable insights into the society that produced it.