Stamboom van geslachten van Noach tot Abraham 1776 - 1849

This print, made by Johannes Christiaan Bendorp, presents a genealogy from Noah to Abraham in the form of a tree, illustrating a biblical account of human origins and the repopulation of the world after the Flood. Made in the Netherlands, a Protestant country, the image visualizes a specific interpretation of scripture that would have been taught in churches and schools. The image is not merely illustrative, it actively shapes the viewer’s understanding of religious and social history by mapping individuals onto a family tree. It reinforces a view of society rooted in patriarchy and divinely ordained hierarchies. The depiction of the Tower of Babel on the right reminds the viewer of the dangers of failing to adhere to God’s laws. Understanding this print requires familiarity with religious texts, social history, and the visual conventions used to convey such information. It offers a glimpse into how cultural institutions used visual media to shape social norms.