Scène uit La Gerusalemme Liberata 1745

Martin Schedel created this print, titled *Scène uit La Gerusalemme Liberata*, sometime between the late 17th and mid-18th century. It depicts a scene of divine intervention from the epic poem *Jerusalem Delivered*, and offers a glimpse into the cultural values of its time. Made in Italy, this print reflects the country’s deep engagement with both classical and Christian themes. It's set against the backdrop of the Counter-Reformation, which saw the Catholic Church attempting to reassert its cultural authority through art and architecture. The heroic gestures and dramatic lighting are visual cues that indicate the influence of baroque aesthetics, which were then closely tied to the Church's mission. To truly understand this print, we might look to the patronage system that shaped artistic production during this period. Who commissioned this work, and for what purpose? Exploring the social and institutional context of its creation can reveal much about the print's intended audience and its role in shaping cultural values.