Bijbelsche geschiedenis / Oude Testament 1869 - 1882

This is 'Biblical History, Old Testament IV,' a print made by Gerhardus Philippus Zalsman in the Netherlands. Though undated, Zalsman was active in the mid-19th century, a time when religious imagery played a crucial role in Dutch society. Prints like these served as a visual aid for religious education, presenting key biblical stories in an accessible format. The layout, with images accompanied by text, reflects the importance of both visual and textual literacy in the dissemination of religious knowledge. Consider the social context: the Netherlands had a strong Protestant tradition, with an emphasis on personal reading of the Bible. These prints would have been used in homes and schools to reinforce religious teachings. The choice of scenes, from David and Nathan to Jonah, highlights themes of morality, divine intervention, and redemption, central to Protestant theology. To understand this print better, research into the history of religious education in the Netherlands and the role of visual culture in shaping religious beliefs would be invaluable. This print reminds us that art is always embedded in social and institutional contexts, shaping and being shaped by the beliefs and values of its time.