Vermaeninge / Dat men behoort zyn zelven te doen inschryven in het / Broederschap van het heylig Roosen-kransken / Exhortation / Pour se faire inscrire dans la confrérie / du rosaire 1800 - 1833

This print, made by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, probably in the Netherlands, employs etching and letterpress to encourage enrollment in the Rosary Confraternity. The image creates meaning through a combination of visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations tied to the Catholic Church. Note the prominence of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by angels and saints, all pointing to the power and prestige of the Rosary. This print was made during a time of political upheaval and religious revival in Europe. The church was reasserting its authority in the face of secularizing forces unleashed by the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. The emphasis on tradition and piety in this artwork can be seen as a response to these challenges, as well as the institutional history of the Church. The historian's role is vital here. Through examination of archival records, religious texts, and social histories, we can better understand this artwork and the complex interplay between art, religion, and society. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.