Zie hier uit het nieuw verbond, hoe Gods apostelschaaren, / De leer van Jesus dood. aan Jood en Griek verklaaren 1831 - 1854

This print, made by Erve H. Rynders in Amsterdam, visualizes the New Testament through a series of small scenes, each with a caption. Prints like these were popular in the Dutch Republic, a society shaped by its Protestant faith and a burgeoning print culture. This artwork condenses complex narratives into easily digestible images, reflecting the growing accessibility of religious teachings beyond the clergy. The choice of imagery, the layout of the scenes, and even the Dutch language itself speak to a specific cultural context. It aimed to inform and reinforce shared beliefs within the local population. To truly understand this print, one would delve into the history of Dutch religious practices, the development of its printing industry, and the social function of such imagery in early modern society. The Rijksmuseum's archives, along with period pamphlets and books, would offer further insights into the context and the visual codes it employs. Studying art like this reminds us that its meaning is not fixed but evolves with its cultural and institutional surroundings.