Johannes ziet het Nieuwe Jeruzalem before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, titled ‘Johannes sees the New Jerusalem’, in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a cultural and economic boom, deeply rooted in its Protestant religious identity following the Reformation. Van Sichem's work visualizes a scene from the Book of Revelation, a text fraught with symbolism and visions of the end times, reflecting the intense religious atmosphere of the era. Note how the New Jerusalem is depicted as a fortified city amidst flames, juxtaposed with images of God and angels, highlighting the contrasts between earthly turmoil and divine promise. The portrayal of John, receiving revelation, along with the imagery of the Lamb and the Shepherd, speaks to themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the flock of the faithful. These depictions underscore a longing for spiritual purity and divine intervention. Van Sichem’s print invites us to consider the complex interplay between faith, societal upheaval, and the quest for a utopian future, a deeply personal yet universally resonant theme.