Gemor van de Grieken en Hebreeën vanwege verwaarlozing van de weduwen 1697

This is a small etching titled Gemor van de Grieken en Hebreen vanwege verwaarlozing van de weduwen, which translates to “Murmur of the Greeks and Hebrews because of neglect of the widows.” It is by an anonymous artist. The scene depicts a dispute in the early Christian community, specifically the complaint that Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of aid. The central figures, likely apostles, are shown mediating between the aggrieved widows and other members of the community. This work exposes early tensions within the Christian movement, highlighting issues of cultural identity, class, and gender. Widows, often among the most vulnerable, depended on the community for their survival. The neglect suggests underlying biases within the group. Though anonymous, the artist captures the tension and the struggle for equality and justice.