Allegorische voorstelling met Geloof en deugden

This allegorical print, made by Jacob Folkema, likely in the first half of the 18th century, offers a window into the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age. Prints like this one often served a didactic function, visually reinforcing societal norms. Here, we see Faith and various virtues personified within a carefully constructed garden setting. The inclusion of putti playing musical instruments suggests harmony and divine grace. Made in Amsterdam, the print reflects the strong religious and moral underpinnings of Dutch society at the time, a culture that placed a high value on piety. This print was commissioned to function as the title page for D. Willink’s “Lusthof van Christelyke Dank en Bedezangen” [Pleasure Garden of Christian Thanks and Prayers]. Examining such imagery, along with contemporary texts and records from institutions such as the publisher named here, allows art historians to understand how visual culture was deployed to shape and reinforce social values.