Hebdomas christiana 1610 - 1672

Michael Snijders created this intricate print, "Hebdomas Christiana," sometime in the 17th century. The work is structured as a grid, each section filled with symbolic imagery related to Christian themes. The composition, although dense, maintains a balanced symmetry, guiding the viewer's eye through a visual narrative. At the heart of the print, an eye enclosed in a circle of light dominates, acting as a focal point. This emblem, linked by a chain to images of earthly temptation below and divine justice above, suggests a connection between moral choices and their consequences. Snijders masterfully uses line and form to draw attention to these contrasting elements: the chaos of the dragon versus the order of the cross, the earthly versus the celestial. The use of symbolic visual language speaks to the era's worldview, blending religious expression with philosophical thought. Through "Hebdomas Christiana," Snijders presents a complex discourse on morality, faith, and the human condition, inviting viewers to reflect on the structures that govern their spiritual lives.