Mozes breekt de tafelen der wet (vierde deel) 1590

Andrea Andreani made this chiaroscuro woodcut print, "Moses Breaking the Tablets of the Law," sometime between 1588 and 1629. Here, Moses smashes the tablets in response to the Israelites' idolatry. This Italian print embodies the visual culture of the Counter-Reformation. After the rise of Protestantism, the Catholic Church reaffirmed the importance of religious art. The narrative illustrates a decisive break with false idols, aligning with the Church’s call for spiritual purification. The dramatic composition with its stark contrasts, creates a powerful emotional impact, designed to inspire repentance and adherence to religious doctrine. To understand Andreani's print, we can look at religious and art historical sources. Prints like this played a significant role in disseminating religious ideas, impacting the social and spiritual lives of people during this turbulent era.