Maaltijd te Emmaüs 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this line drawing titled "Maaltijd te Emmaüs" sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Van den Bos lived during a period of great social upheaval, witnessing both the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and the tumultuous years of revolution and societal restructuring. The artwork depicts a scene from the Gospel of Luke, yet the simplified lines and stark composition prompt us to consider the social dimensions inherent in religious narratives. How might the act of sharing a meal—a deeply human and communal experience—transcend its spiritual connotations? Could the humility and fellowship demonstrated in this scene inspire reflection on equality, particularly when considering the entrenched class structures and economic disparities of van den Bos’s era? The artwork’s minimalism invites viewers to meditate on the symbolic weight of shared resources. As we observe the figures gathered around the table, let us consider the emotional resonance of breaking bread together, and perhaps even draw parallels with contemporary struggles for justice.