Afgod Moloch ontvangt mensenoffers 1684 - 1743

Jan Lamsvelt's etching "Afgod Moloch ontvangt mensenoffers" depicts the biblical story of the idol Moloch, who demanded child sacrifice. The image shows a fiery, horned figure with outstretched arms receiving offerings from a crowd of people. This piece, created between 1684 and 1743, is housed in the Rijksmuseum, and its detailed portrayal of the scene provides a glimpse into the religious beliefs and artistic styles of the 17th and 18th centuries. The engraving's dramatic composition and use of light and shadow enhances the depiction of this gruesome ritual, serving as a warning against pagan practices.