De Israëlieten reinigen hun kleding en voorwerpen 1683 - 1733

This print, "The Israelites Cleansing Their Clothes and Objects," was created by an anonymous artist. It’s difficult to date precisely, but we can tell from the style and the printing technique that it was likely produced in the 1700s, likely in the Netherlands. The print would have been achieved through etching or engraving, processes by which lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the incredible fineness of the lines. This testifies to the etcher’s skill, and also to the value that was placed on intricate detail at the time. This wasn’t just about virtuosity; it also speaks to a culture of careful observation. This image depicts a scene from the Bible; such prints were often included in Bibles to illustrate religious narratives, bringing them vividly to life for a wide audience. The image is as much about devotion as display. The image would have been sold inexpensively, demonstrating the democratization of the art market at this time, as well as religious texts.