Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasses, from The Twelve Kings of Israel 1515 - 1525

Lucas van Leyden made this woodcut, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasses, from the Twelve Kings of Israel, with wood in the early 16th century. This print forms part of a series depicting rulers from the Old Testament. The kings are shown on horseback and are adorned with elaborate costumes and heraldic symbols. It was made in The Netherlands at a time when the area was undergoing significant social and political change. Van Leyden was working during the rise of the Protestant Reformation which challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and its associated imagery. This print would have served as a form of political commentary. The artist perhaps used the guise of biblical kings to comment on the nature of earthly rule. These prints are valuable historical resources, providing insights into the religious and political context of the early 16th century. The study of such works involves understanding their socio-political context, and the complex interplay of religious belief.