Jozef 1930

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this print, titled "Jozef", in 1930. The piece evokes a sense of solemnity and introspection, inviting us to consider the role of religious imagery within Dutch society of the time. Schelfhout's choice of subject matter is intriguing. While the Netherlands is now known for its secularism, this work demonstrates a continuing interest in biblical themes within Dutch culture during the interwar period. The style is traditional, but it may be viewed as an attempt to reaffirm traditional values in a rapidly changing society, given that the work was created during a period of economic hardship and political uncertainty in Europe. To understand this print better, we might turn to sources from the period, exploring the relationship between religion, national identity, and artistic expression in the Netherlands. Such research allows us to appreciate how artworks like this reflect and shape the values of their time.