Verlamde door het dak naar Christus neergelaten 1629 - 1740

This engraving, “Paralytic Lowered Through the Roof to Christ” was made by Christoffel van Sichem II, sometime between 1581 and 1658. Sichem was working in a time of religious and political conflict, not least between the new Protestant faith, and the existing Catholic order. This work illustrates a scene from the Gospel of Mark, where a paralyzed man is lowered through a roof to be healed by Jesus. The identities of the figures involved and the potential for social commentary are especially compelling. We see the physical and social barriers the paralyzed man faces, juxtaposed with the compassion and healing offered by Christ. The figures on the roof who perform this extraordinary act of faith, represent a community overcoming architectural and social barriers, embodying a sense of collective care and determination. In a time of shifting beliefs and societal upheaval, Sichem uses the scene to communicate profound messages about faith, community, and the radical potential for healing. The image resonates deeply, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion and the strength found in collective action.