Scène uit de zondvloed c. 1825 - 1852

Antoine Maurin created this print, *Scene from the Deluge,* in the first half of the 19th century. Its theatrical composition depicts the biblical story of Noah's flood, capturing a moment of desperation as figures struggle to survive. Made in France, this artwork reflects the cultural and artistic trends of its time. The dramatic style, with its emphasis on emotion and moral lessons, aligns with the values of academic art. This aesthetic was actively promoted through institutions like the French Academy. The print invites reflection on social and moral issues related to divine punishment and human fallibility. The figures' idealized bodies and the theatrical lighting reference classical art, while the romantic sensibility appeals to intense feelings. Historians use sources like Salon catalogues, and period writings on art to understand the social and institutional context of works such as this. Through this, we are able to appreciate how artistic creations can be seen as products of their time.