Expulsion from Paradise before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II made this woodcut titled "Expulsion from Paradise." In the image, we see Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden by an angel. This depiction reflects the religious and moral climate of the Dutch Golden Age. It was a time when the Protestant Reformation had greatly influenced Dutch culture. Printmaking allowed for the mass dissemination of religious imagery and moral lessons. Van Sichem's choice to create this scene as a woodcut, rather than another medium, speaks to the democratic nature of printmaking during this period. Woodcuts were relatively inexpensive to produce, making them accessible to a wide audience. This allowed for a broad distribution of religious and moral ideas, reinforcing the values of the time. To truly understand this work, we need to delve into the history of the Dutch Republic, the influence of Calvinism, and the role of art in shaping public morality. The Rijksmuseum's collection and other period archives can help us investigate the fascinating story behind this seemingly simple image.