Evangelische figuuren / door C. van Sichem 1769

This print, titled "Evangelische Figuuren," was produced by Christoffel van Sichem around the mid-17th century in the Netherlands. The series of small scenes depict episodes from the life of Mary and Jesus, referencing the Gospel of Luke. Looking closer, we can consider how the Protestant Reformation influenced the imagery. By this time, the Dutch Republic was a Protestant nation, and religious imagery was heavily scrutinized. As a result, many religious images became simpler. Prints like this one were relatively inexpensive to produce and purchase. Disseminating these images through print was a strategy for spreading religious ideas to a wider audience. The printer, Abraham Ferwerda, was based in Leeuwarden, which may suggest the print was intended for a local audience. Art historians would want to know more about the commissioning and distribution of such prints. By researching the printing trade and religious culture of the time, we can better understand the social function of this image.