Engel doodt de troepen van Sanherib 1645 - 1646

Curator: Welcome. Before us is "Engel doodt de troepen van Sanherib," or "Angel Killing the Troops of Sennacherib," a 1645-1646 engraving by Christoffel van Sichem II, here in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Wow, what a scene! Utter chaos, right? You have this wild sky and this even wilder ground of terrified, and dying, soldiers. It is a high drama indeed! Curator: Absolutely. Sichem was a prominent printmaker, and this piece, typical of the Baroque era, depicts a dramatic moment from the Old Testament, specifically the story where an angel vanquishes the Assyrian army threatening Jerusalem. It’s a powerful image. Editor: A really bold image, if you think about it! All these tiny lines—they are quite effective at capturing all that violent action! Tell me, it must have been so amazing seeing one of these killings happening! You just look up to heaven and suddenly—wham—instant art! I am not so certain, as an artist, that that should even be allowed! It leaves nothing for our creative imagining! Curator: What intrigues me is how this print would have circulated and been understood in its time. Prints like these weren't just artistic expressions; they were disseminators of religious and historical narratives, reinforcing societal beliefs and often, political ideologies. The image of divine intervention resonated deeply, especially during periods of conflict and uncertainty. Editor: True. So basically this image serves the purpose of being, well… extremely terrifying—if one thinks they will feel this sword raining down upon them for, oh, let's say questioning the state. Which brings up the matter for the creative person who is trying to be a positive social influence today—we must know better! If our intention is about bringing goodness to humankind and… Curator: Certainly, this image offered its 17th century public more than met the eye. Today, as then, art often participates in the socio-political conversations of any particular age, though perhaps its makers’ own intentions vary considerably from that function. Editor: It really gives you something to think about! That Baroque is fascinating! It sure is heavy though, so heavy! It is very beautiful and awe inspiring at the same time that is full of pathos—oh what a thought! What a word, huh?! Curator: Indeed, the work of Christoffel van Sichem certainly leaves us with plenty of fodder for imagination.