Engel wekt Jona op om te Ninive te prediken 1717 - 1763

Pietro Monaco created this print called ‘Engel wekt Jona op om te Ninive te prediken’ during the 18th century. It presents a scene from the Book of Jonah, where an angel awakens Jonah to preach in Nineveh. Look closely at the composition; its origins are from a design by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. But this is more than just an image of a biblical story. It’s a window into the cultural and religious expectations of the time, where society was governed by strong moral codes. The angel here isn’t just a messenger, but a figure of authority. The portrayal of Jonah, slumped over and seemingly reluctant, highlights the internal conflict between divine duty and human will. The angel’s ethereal beauty is set against Jonah's disheveled appearance, emphasizing the contrast between the sacred and the everyday. The print invites us to reflect on the role of faith, obedience, and personal responsibility. It reflects societal expectations but also the personal struggles of individuals.