Maria op haar sterfbed omringd door de apostelen 1859

Léopold Flameng made this print of Mary on her deathbed surrounded by the apostles sometime in the 19th century. It shows an intimate, yet idealized scene derived from traditional Christian iconography. But while the subject has deep roots in Catholic culture, the print itself engages with new social forces at work in the 19th century. Prints like this one played a vital role in the visual culture of the time, offering affordable access to religious and historical imagery for a growing middle class. The proliferation of printed images also fostered debates about the role of art in shaping public morals and national identity, especially in the wake of the French Revolution. Flameng's print participates in the revival of religious sentiment that characterized much of 19th-century art, architecture, and literature. As historians, we can consult sources like period newspapers, religious tracts, and exhibition reviews to better understand the social and institutional context of Flameng's work and the public values it was designed to promote.