De zevende plaag in Egypte 1755 - 1779

This print, made by the Kaiserlich Franziskische Akademie, depicts the seventh plague of Egypt. It illustrates a scene of devastation with hail and lightning raining down upon a city, amidst fallen people and animals. Produced in Austria, the image reflects the cultural preoccupation with biblical narratives prevalent in the 18th century. The Kaiserlich Franziskische Akademie, as an institution under the Habsburg monarchy, played a role in disseminating knowledge and moral instruction through visual media. This print served not only as a religious lesson, but also as a reflection of the Academy’s values, reinforcing religious morality and the consequences of defiance. By examining the print's visual codes, such as the dramatic depiction of the plague and the contrasting fates of the Egyptians, we can better understand the cultural and religious beliefs of the time. Historical research, like studying the Academy's records and other visual representations of biblical events, can give us a better understanding of the contingent meanings of the artwork.