Bileam (Balaäm) en de engel 1581 - 1633

"Bileam (Balaäm) en de engel", created by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert between 1581 and 1633, is a masterful example of Dutch Renaissance printmaking. This etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts the biblical story of Balaam and the angel. Balaam, riding his donkey, is stopped by an angel wielding a sword, a pivotal moment in the story, as Balaam's attempt to curse the Israelites is thwarted by God's intervention. The scene is set against a backdrop of ruined classical architecture, adding a sense of historical depth and reflecting the humanist themes prevalent in Coornhert's work. This intricate work exemplifies Coornhert's skilled handling of light and shadow, as well as his meticulous attention to detail.