Jakob stuurt zijn zoons naar Egypte 1645 - 1740

This engraving, made by Christoffel van Sichem II, illustrates Jacob sending his sons to Egypt. Notice the figures of Jacob and his sons, depicted with gestures of urgency and supplication. This reflects a narrative moment of crisis and dependence. Such gestures of seeking and giving are archetypal, recurring in countless works across cultures. Think, for instance, of the classical Roman depictions of emperors distributing grain, or even earlier Egyptian art showing pharaohs providing for their people. These are visual echoes, passed down through history, each time resonating with humanity's primal need for sustenance and leadership. The act of seeking sustenance in a foreign land also carries psychological weight, representing the vulnerability and dependency that resonate deeply within our collective memory. The emotions of desperation and hope are palpable, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The symbol of grain has resurfaced in different contexts, evolving to embody not just physical survival but spiritual nourishment.