Tamar maakt eten voor Amnon 1559 - 1579

Philips Galle created this engraving, Tamar Makes Food for Amnon, sometime between 1537 and 1612. It depicts a biblical scene with implications about social order. The image brings meaning through a complex visual language, cultural references, and historical associations specific to the 16th-century Netherlands. Galle uses the visual codes of his time to reinforce social hierarchies. Tamar, kneeling, is depicted in a submissive role, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Amnon, reclining, is being served. This arrangement reflects the patriarchal structure of the time, where women's roles were often confined to domestic duties and subservience to men. This artwork also provides insights into the institutional history of art production. Galle’s prints were often part of larger series or books, indicating the role of publishing houses and the printing industry in disseminating visual narratives. Understanding this piece requires a close examination of the cultural and social norms of the 16th century. We can use historical texts, religious commentaries, and social histories to uncover the complex interplay between art, power, and social expectations in Galle’s time.