Stammen van Juda en Simoen nemen Jeruzalem in 1645 - 1740

This engraving by Christoffel van Sichem II illustrates the biblical story of the tribes of Judah and Simeon conquering Jerusalem. Created in the 17th century, the artwork emerges from a historical context deeply influenced by religious interpretations of power and identity. The depiction of the tribes triumphing over Jerusalem invites reflection on themes of dominance, dispossession, and the construction of identity through conflict. How does the portrayal of Judah and Simeon reflect the cultural biases and power dynamics inherent in the artist’s society? Note the artist's choice to represent the tribes as noble warriors, which reinforces a narrative of righteous conquest. What does it mean to depict a complex history of cultural and religious clashes through such a one-sided lens? The engraving doesn’t merely illustrate a biblical event. It serves as a reminder of how stories can be wielded to shape communal identity. It prompts us to consider whose perspectives are amplified and whose are marginalized in the grand narratives of history.