Val van Jericho 1607

Giovanni Lanfranco created this etching of the Fall of Jericho, illustrating a story from the Book of Joshua. During the 17th century, there was growing interest in biblical narratives, aligning with the period's religious and political tensions. Here, we see the Israelites marching, carrying what appear to be large cylinders, possibly representing sacred objects or war machines. This procession circles the city of Jericho, leading to its miraculous collapse. Lanfranco’s composition places emphasis on the male figures, their muscular bodies and determined expressions, embodying strength and divine purpose. However, what is absent, is any depiction of the human cost of this conquest. This print prompts us to consider not just the power dynamics inherent in religious narratives but also how these stories have been used to justify conquest and cultural erasure. It's a stark reminder of how identity and history are often intertwined with violence and faith.