Lot en zijn dochters. 1632

This print of ‘Lot and his daughters’ was made by Gerard ter Borch the elder, in the Netherlands around 1632. It shows a biblical scene ripe with questions about social roles and morality. In the story, Lot and his daughters flee the destruction of Sodom. Here, they're inebriated, setting the stage for a scandalous act of incest, to secure their family's future. Borch’s choice to depict this moment invites us to ponder the complex relationship between religious law, familial duty, and survival. The Netherlands at this time was a melting pot of religious and ethical debates, influenced by the Reformation and the rise of humanist thought. Prints like this one weren't just illustrations; they were conversation starters. They circulated in homes and public spaces, sparking dialogue about faith, morality, and the place of the individual within society. To fully appreciate the print's social impact, we can examine period sermons, pamphlets, and legal documents. These sources shed light on the prevailing attitudes toward morality, family, and religious doctrine, enriching our understanding of the print's meaning and legacy.