Preek van de apostel Petrus: 'de vergeving van de zonden' before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut print, *Preek van de apostel Petrus: 'de vergeving van de zonden'* sometime between 1591 and 1658. Sichem was working in a world being reshaped by the Reformation, so this is a particularly Protestant image, given the emphasis on the spoken word. Here, Peter’s sermon takes center stage as he preaches to a diverse crowd within a classical architectural setting. The scene is densely packed with figures from different social strata, visible in their varied clothing. A Roman soldier stands guard while women and children sit on the ground, listening intently. The emotional experience of this moment is palpable; the idea of forgiveness is a powerful one. Sichem's print invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with faith, forgiveness, and the complexities of communal life. It makes you wonder, who is included and who is excluded from this offer of forgiveness?