Mozes slaat water uit de rots 1675

Cesare Fantetti produced this print, "Moses striking water from the rock" in the latter half of the 17th century. It demonstrates how biblical stories were disseminated through printed images. This print is an excellent example of the use of religious imagery to reinforce cultural values and social hierarchies. Made in the Netherlands, during the Dutch Golden Age, the image reflects a society deeply influenced by Calvinism. Note the importance of the Old Testament stories in Protestant theology. The image emphasizes the miraculous intervention of God in human affairs, reinforcing the idea of divine power and the importance of religious faith. The distribution of such images served to educate and reinforce religious values among the populace. Historical research into the production and reception of such prints can reveal much about the social and religious life of the time. This includes understanding the role of printmaking workshops, the market for religious imagery, and the ways in which these images were used in homes and churches.