God de Vader verandert Mozes' staf in een slang 1645 - 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, titled 'God the Father Changes Moses' Staff into a Snake,' in the 17th century. During this time, the Dutch Republic was asserting its identity through both overseas trade and a distinctly Protestant visual culture. Here, Moses' encounter with God takes center stage. The transformation of his staff into a serpent isn't just a display of divine power. It's an assertion of authority, a visual metaphor for the religious and political upheavals of the era. Notice how God the Father, nestled in the clouds, actively intervenes in Moses' world, which challenges traditional notions of power. The emotional tension is palpable. Moses seems startled, caught between fear and awe as his staff morphs into a snake, its fangs bared. Van Sichem offers more than just a religious scene; he invites us to reflect on the complexities of faith, leadership, and change during a tumultuous chapter in European history.