De geboorte, leven, wonderwerken, lyden en sterven van den zaligmaker Jesus Christus 1776 - 1813

This 19th-century print, made by Johannes Seydel, depicts the life of Jesus Christ through a series of small vignettes. The printmaking process, likely etching or engraving, is crucial to understanding its purpose. These techniques allowed for the relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction of images, making them accessible to a wide audience. The crisp lines and clear compositions, achieved through careful work with metal plates and acid, speaks to the skilled craftsmanship involved. But beyond the technical aspects, the print's material form connects it to a larger world of commerce and belief. As a printed object, it was inherently tied to the burgeoning print culture of the time, where religious imagery played a significant role. Seydel, identified as a bookseller, was clearly catering to a demand for affordable religious iconography. This print exemplifies how art and commerce intersected in the 19th century. The materials and method of its production directly reflect the social and economic context in which it was made.