Wapenrusting Gods, 1688 1687 - 1689

W. van Paddenburgh produced this print titled 'The Armour of God' in 1688. It's a fascinating piece of Dutch history. The print presents itself as a kind of spiritual diagnostic tool, a mirror reflecting whether one is on the path of God or the Devil. Created in the Dutch Republic, a society undergoing immense social and religious change, this work speaks to the era's deep concern with morality and salvation. The text, arranged in columns, contrasts worldly vices with godly virtues, offering a stark choice between the two. Its publication in Utrecht suggests a connection to local religious communities and their efforts to maintain moral order. The reference to a "Utrecht Fair gift" at the bottom might hint at the commercial context in which religious ideas were disseminated. Understanding this print fully requires delving into the religious and social history of the Dutch Golden Age. Through sources like sermons, pamphlets, and community records, we can better understand the moral anxieties and spiritual aspirations that shaped its creation.