Tombe-zerk 1857 - 1864

This is a print of a Medieval tomb slab, made in the Netherlands by an anonymous artist. The image depicts a bishop standing between two crowned figures, possibly royalty. Below them are two heraldic lions, symbols of power and nobility. This artwork isn’t just a depiction of individuals, but a statement about power, authority, and the Church’s role in legitimizing secular rule. Medieval society was deeply hierarchical, and the Church played a key role in maintaining social order. The tomb slab, originally intended for a church or cathedral, would have reinforced these social structures. The print itself is a product of the 19th century, a time of growing interest in medieval history and national identity. By reproducing and circulating images of medieval artifacts, institutions like the Rijksmuseum helped to shape a sense of shared cultural heritage. Understanding this print requires us to consider not only the medieval context but also the 19th-century institutions that collected, studied, and displayed such objects. Resources such as historical archives, museum records, and art historical scholarship can shed light on the complex social and cultural forces that have shaped our understanding of the past.