Zie, jeugd! dit prenttafreel: 't wyst aan, / Door beelden, die op trappen staan (...) 1715 - 1813

This print, made by J. Robyn, presents a tiered depiction of biblical figures within an architectural framework. It invites us to consider the intersection of religious belief and cultural identity in early modern Europe. The figures are arranged in a hierarchy, with Christ at the apex, embodying the divine authority of Christianity. Yet, Robyn reminds us in the inscription that they were all Jews. This highlights the complex relationship between Christianity and its Jewish roots, a relationship often fraught with tension and conflict. As we consider the figures of the apostles and other biblical characters, we must recognize their historical and cultural context. They were men living in a specific time and place, shaped by the social norms and religious beliefs of their era. In a time of religious reform and cultural exchange, Robyn’s print prompts us to question established narratives and to seek a more nuanced understanding of the past. It encourages viewers to reflect on the ways in which religious and cultural identities are constructed and negotiated, both then and now.