Afdaling in het voorgeborchte 1670 - 1682

"Afdaling in het voorgeborchte," created by Melchior Küsel between 1670 and 1682, is an etching depicting a scene of figures descending into hell. The artwork features a dramatic sky with clouds and demons, and a group of people moving downward, likely referencing the descent into the underworld. This piece is a testament to Küsel's skill as an artist, and his ability to convey a sense of drama and tension. Located in the Rijksmuseum, the etching showcases the artist's understanding of light and shadow, and the use of dynamic lines to convey movement, a hallmark of his style. The intricate detail and religious subject matter, typical of etchings of the period, offer a glimpse into the artistic and theological context of 17th-century Netherlands.