Paulus door een adder in de hand gebeten 1751 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles made this engraving, "Paul bitten on the hand by an adder," sometime between 1741 and 1816. It depicts an episode from the Bible's Book of Acts, where Paul is unharmed after being bitten by a venomous snake, an event that is seen by some as a demonstration of divine protection. This image offers a window into the religious and cultural sensibilities of the Netherlands during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During this period, the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant social and political upheaval, including the rise of Enlightenment ideals and increasing challenges to traditional religious authority. Vinkeles, who worked for leading learned institutions in the Netherlands, was very successful with his prints, which were used to illustrate many books of the time. Historians consult these prints to better understand social structures and power relations. By delving into the historical context of the artwork, we can better appreciate its significance as a reflection of its time.