Scènes uit het Oude Testament 1850 - 1881

Dirk Noothoven van Goor's "Scènes uit het Oude Testament," a print from the Prenten-Fabriek, uses the relatively modern medium of commercial printing to depict biblical stories for a young audience. The print's appearance, with its simplified linework and limited color palette, reflects the industrial process used to create it. This was likely a cost-effective method, intended for mass production and widespread distribution. The relatively small scale suggests it may have been included in a book or magazine, reflective of a growing print culture, and expanding consumer marketplace. The work makes visible the division of labor inherent in mass production: from the artist who designed the image, to the technicians who transferred it to the printing plate, to the factory workers who operated the presses. Although not explicitly stated, the presence of the "Prenten-Fabriek" highlights the shift towards industrialized methods of production, reflecting broader social issues related to labor and consumption. Looking closely at this print, we can appreciate how materials, processes, and social context shape its meaning, bridging the gap between fine art and everyday life.