Plagen van de kikkers, muggen en steekvliegen 1585

Johann Sadeler I created this print called 'Plagues of Frogs, Mosquitoes and Gadflies' sometime around the late 16th century. It depicts a scene from the Book of Exodus, where God inflicts plagues upon Egypt to persuade the Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The image is teeming with social and political meaning. The plagues, visualized as swarms of creatures, disrupt the opulence of the Pharaoh's court, a stark contrast to the suffering of the enslaved Israelites depicted outside. Sadeler’s choice to portray the scene with such detail suggests an intention to critique earthly power. Prints like this were not just religious illustrations; they were also tools for social commentary. By circulating images of resistance against unjust rulers, artists participated in a broader cultural conversation about power, justice, and the role of institutions. Understanding the full impact of this print requires that we consider the social and political context in which it was produced and consumed. We can consult historical documents, religious texts, and other artworks from the period.