Judas Macabee, plate six from The Nine Worthies 1594

Nicolaes de Bruyn created this print of Judas Macabee, one of the Nine Worthies, in the Netherlands. It’s an engraving, a process that allowed prints to be made and distributed on a large scale. This print comes from a time when the Dutch Republic was asserting its independence and forming its national identity. The Nine Worthies were a popular theme at the time, embodying a sense of leadership and moral virtue. This image uses visual codes to enhance the cultural meaning, such as the decorative frame with animals and fruits, which lends a sense of prosperity and abundance. It is meant to signal the virtues of leadership and celebrate those who championed justice. To truly understand works like this, we need to look at the historical context and the social institutions that influenced the artist, as well as the audience. Research into the publishing industry, the rise of print culture, and the social values of the time can all help us to better understand the enduring appeal of this piece.