Kind met pijl en boog en alziend oog van God 1628

Christoffel van Sichem created this small woodcut print depicting a child with a bow and arrow beneath the all-seeing eye of God. The eye, emanating divine light, is flanked by ears, symbolizing God's omnipresence and unwavering attention to humanity. The motif of the all-seeing eye, a potent symbol of divine omniscience and judgment, finds echoes across cultures and eras. From ancient Egyptian art to Renaissance Christian iconography, it has been used to convey a sense of ever-present observation and moral accountability. This symbol speaks to the eternal human desire for meaning and oversight in our lives. Here, the arrows aimed from above imply divine intervention and the impact of moral law on human action. The child below could represent innocence or the potential for redemption. It's a visual reminder of the cyclical nature of sin, forgiveness, and renewal. These symbols create a powerful tension, evoking deep, subconscious fears and hopes.