Paulus door Tertullus beschuldigd voor Felix 1797

Reinier Vinkeles made this print, "Paulus door Tertullus beschuldigd voor Felix", using etching and burin. It depicts a scene from the Bible in which the Apostle Paul is accused before the Roman governor Felix. This image creates meaning through its visual codes and historical associations. It was made in the Netherlands, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century, during a time of great social and political upheaval. The Dutch Republic was in decline, and there was a growing sense of unease about the existing social order. The print reflects these anxieties. It shows a powerful figure, Felix, sitting in judgment over Paul. The scene is set in a grand, imposing space that emphasizes the power and authority of the Roman state. Historical context is key to understanding art; by consulting sources, we can better understand how social and institutional forces shaped it.