H. Martinus deelt zijn mantel met een bedelaar 1638 - 1708

This print, made by an anonymous artist, depicts Saint Martin dividing his cloak with a beggar. Saint Martin was a Roman soldier who later became the Bishop of Tours, and he is often depicted performing acts of charity. This image was likely made in the Netherlands, a region with a strong tradition of religious art and a complex social structure. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Netherlands underwent a period of religious and political upheaval, with the rise of Protestantism challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. Prints like these served as a way to express religious beliefs, and it provided a powerful reminder of the importance of charity and compassion in a time of social division. Art historians consult a variety of resources, including historical documents, religious texts, and other works of art, to deepen our understanding of its meaning and its place in history. Ultimately, the meaning of this print is shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which it was created.