De biecht / Het heilig oliesel 1724 - 1727

Bernard Picart created this print titled "De biecht / Het heilig oliesel" using etching, around the early 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the religious practices and social dynamics of the time. The artwork is divided into two scenes, the upper showing confession, and the lower, the anointing of the sick. Picart captures the emotional weight of these rituals. Notice the way the figures are positioned, some kneeling in supplication while others offer comfort. The artist invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, vulnerability, and community support. Picart, a French engraver who later converted to Protestantism, was interested in documenting religious customs with ethnographic precision. The print also subtly hints at the power dynamics within religious institutions and the roles individuals play in navigating spiritual and social expectations. "De biecht / Het heilig oliesel" serves not only as a historical record but also as a meditation on human experiences of repentance, compassion, and the search for solace in times of need.