Rachab verbergt de verspieders 1677 - 1755

Elias van Nijmegen made this watercolor drawing, titled "Rachab verbergt de verspieders," meaning "Rahab Hiding the Spies," in the 18th century. The scene depicts a story from the Old Testament, where Rahab, a woman of Jericho, hides Israelite spies from her own people. Nijmegen’s choice of subject matter reflects the religious climate of the Dutch Republic, where the Bible was a source of moral and political guidance. The scene is rendered with a theatrical flair, reminiscent of the stage designs that were popular at the time. We see Rahab leaning out of the window, directing the spies away from her home. The story of Rahab was often interpreted as an allegory of salvation, with Rahab representing the Church protecting the faithful. Nijmegen's drawing, therefore, speaks to the complex interplay between religion, politics, and art in the Dutch Republic. To fully understand this drawing, we can consult historical texts, theological treatises, and artistic manifestos. These resources shed light on the social and institutional context in which Nijmegen worked.