Dimensions: height 523 mm, width 415 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Johannes Christiaan d' Arnaud Gerkens created this print of a praying monk using lithography. The image presents an interesting case study in the context of 19th-century Dutch society, which saw significant religious and social shifts. During this period, the Netherlands experienced both a revival of religious fervor and growing secularization. Monastic life, while still present, had largely been diminished since the Reformation. The image of a monk, therefore, carries historical weight, evoking a sense of tradition and perhaps even nostalgia. Gerkens, who was known for his portraits, may have intended to capture a sense of piety or reflect on changing social values. Understanding the full context of this work requires further research into the artist's biography, the social role of religious imagery at the time, and the institutions that supported artistic production. In this way we can begin to appreciate the complex interplay between art, culture, and history.
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