Bijbelse aforismen c. 1660

This page with calligraphic text is from Henrik Jordis's *Biblical Aphorisms*. We don't know exactly when it was made, but it’s held at the Rijksmuseum. The work presents an alphabet of moral lessons rooted in Christian teachings. In that sense, it’s a product of its time – a time when religious texts were central to the education and moral guidance of society. Yet, there's a profound intersection of personal expression and societal norms at play here. Jordis doesn't just transcribe religious doctrine; the act of handwriting itself becomes an intimate expression of faith. Each stroke of the pen embodies a personal commitment to these biblical truths. The choice of aphorisms, short and impactful statements, suggests an attempt to make complex theological concepts accessible, reflecting a desire for personal understanding and perhaps sharing these insights with others. It’s a reminder that even within established religious frameworks, there's room for individual interpretation, adaptation, and expression. The work captures the artist's engagement with their faith, and it echoes the broader human quest for meaning and morality within the framework of societal norms and individual experiences.