Prediking van Johannes de Doper Possibly 1705 - 1728

Dirk Jongman created this print titled 'Prediking van Johannes de Doper', or 'Preaching of John the Baptist' sometime between 1685 and 1726. It shows a biblical scene amidst a period of significant cultural and religious shifts in Europe. Consider the power dynamics inherent in this depiction: John the Baptist, the central figure, stands on higher ground, his gestures commanding attention from a diverse crowd. Are they seeking enlightenment, or are they skeptical of his message? The man in the boat, removed and working, highlights the intersection of faith, labor, and social hierarchy. Jongman invites us to witness the transformation in progress, as he stands between the old and the new. Jongman's work is more than a religious illustration, it encapsulates the complexities of belief, social order, and individual agency. As you observe this piece, think about the dialogues it initiates about power, faith, and the human desire for transformation.