Prentbijbel met voorstellingen uit het Oude Testament, Deel 2 1579

This is the second part of the illustrated Old Testament Bible, made by Gerard de Jode, dating back to the late 16th century. In Northern Europe at this time, the printed Bible became a powerful tool during the Reformation. The embellishments on this book - the leather binding and gold tooling - speak to the wealth and status of its owner, likely someone within the ruling class or high-ranking clergy. Yet, the printing of biblical texts in the vernacular was key to the rise of Protestantism, challenging the Catholic Church's authority. De Jode’s illustrated Bible reflects the tensions of this time. Through careful examination of such historical artifacts, alongside period documents, we can better understand the complex interplay of religious belief, social status, and political power. The study of art in its social context allows us to uncover the dynamic forces that shaped its creation and reception.