Der Engel des Herrn schlägt ein großes Kriegsheer 

This drawing, "The Angel of the Lord strikes a large army," was created by Boutard, using pen and brush in grey ink and grey wash. It depicts a biblical scene of divine intervention in human affairs, a theme resonating deeply in periods of conflict and religious fervor. The image creates meaning through visual codes, with the angel descending from the heavens to smite a vast army, likely referencing the Old Testament. To understand Boutard's choices, we need to examine the religious and political context of his time. Was it a period of war, religious conflict, or social upheaval? Was the artist working under the patronage of a religious institution, or did the artwork reflect the social and political conditions of its time? Historians might explore religious texts, political pamphlets, and institutional records. Understanding these contexts reveals how art serves not just aesthetic functions but also engages with the dominant social structures of its time.