De maaltijd te Emmaüs 1658 - 1663

"The Meal at Emmaus" was made in the 17th century by Samuel van Hoogstraten using pen and brown ink. Hoogstraten lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands. But this affluence was built on colonial exploitation and the brutal realities of the slave trade. In this intimate drawing, Hoogstraten depicts a biblical scene where the resurrected Christ reveals himself to two disciples during a meal. The setting is simple, yet the expressions and gestures of the figures convey a profound sense of revelation. The composition draws the viewer into the disciples' moment of realization. The artist challenges traditional, idealized portrayals of religious figures by grounding the scene in relatable human emotion. The use of light and shadow enhances the drama, making the spiritual experience feel immediate and personal. It invites reflection on faith, recognition, and the everyday moments where the divine might be found.