Tobias and Azarja (the archangel Raphael's cover name) taking leave of Tobit 1554

Maarten van Heemskerck made this print, Tobias and Azarja taking leave of Tobit, sometime in the mid-16th century. It depicts a scene from the Book of Tobit, a story about family, faith, and divine intervention. Van Heemskerck was working in the Netherlands at a time of religious and social upheaval, and prints like this played an important role in disseminating religious ideas. The Netherlands were a hub of artistic exchange, and the print displays the influence of Italian Renaissance art, particularly in its classical figures and balanced composition. Consider how the print engages with the social structures of its time, with its conservative vision of family values and religious devotion. Is it reinforcing existing social norms, or perhaps subtly questioning them? To fully understand a work like this, we can consult historical texts, religious commentaries, and studies of the artist's life and times. By delving into these resources, we can begin to appreciate the complex interplay between art, society, and belief in the 16th century.