Thora-rollen verscheurd door een soldaat

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Behold *Thora-rollen versurd door een soldaat (Torah Scrolls Torn by a Soldier), a striking 1783 engraving by Dutch artist Theodoor Koning. Measuring just 255 × 160 mm, this print captures a moment of profound violence: a soldier ripping apart sacred Torah scrolls, symbols of Jewish faith and tradition. Created during the late Enlightenment era in the Netherlands, it reflects the period's tensions around religion and conflict, rendered in meticulous detail through Koning's skilled hand. As an engraving, the work showcases a revered 18th-century technique where intricate lines are incised into a metal plate, inked, and pressed onto paper. This method allowed for precise textures—from the soldier's fierce expression to the frayed edges of the scrolls—and wide dissemination of powerful imagery. Koning, active in Amsterdam's vibrant printmaking scene, contributed to a tradition of reproductive prints that made art accessible beyond elite patrons. The piece bears the collector's mark Lugt 2228, indicating its provenance from a distinguished 19th-century collection, underscoring its enduring historical value. For visitors, it invites reflection on themes of destruction and resilience, a poignant reminder of art's role in preserving memory.