Natan 1613

This engraving of Nathan was made around the turn of the 17th century by Cornelis Galle the First. Galle was part of an important family of engravers closely associated with the Plantin-Moretus publishing house in Antwerp. Here, Nathan is depicted as he confronts King David, and it is inscribed with Nathan’s words: "Thou art the man." Such imagery should be understood in the context of the Counter-Reformation, when printmaking was used to revive traditional Catholic values in the face of Protestant iconoclasm. The Plantin-Moretus firm played a crucial role in this project, publishing devotional images for a wide audience. Galle's work, in particular, reflects the period’s emphasis on moralizing subjects. Nathan was a prophet, and prophets were seen as crucial figures that could bring wisdom to civil government. By studying prints such as this, art historians can tell us a great deal about the social role of art in 17th century Antwerp.