Taferelen uit het Oude Testament 1700 - 1750

Barent Velthuysen created this print, "Scenes from the Old Testament," using etching and possibly engraving techniques. Images like these were intended for a wide audience in the Netherlands, at a time when the printed image was becoming increasingly accessible. Religious imagery served a didactic purpose, reinforcing biblical narratives and moral lessons for a largely Protestant population. Consider how the artist uses the visual codes of the time, such as clothing and architecture, to transpose biblical stories into a contemporary Dutch setting. This was a common practice that helped viewers connect with the stories on a personal level. We might also think about the institutions that shaped Velthuysen's work, such as the guilds that regulated artistic production and the market for prints that catered to different social classes. By examining the visual culture of the time and delving into archival sources, we can gain a richer understanding of the social and cultural forces that shaped this artwork and its reception.