Engelen houden de vier winden tegen before 1646

"Engelen houden de vier winden tegen" (Angels Hold Back the Four Winds) is a woodcut by Christoffel van (II) Sichem, a Dutch artist active in the early 17th century. This small print depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation, where angels hold back the winds of destruction before the final judgment. Sichem’s detailed lines and hatching create a dramatic and intense atmosphere, emphasizing the power and majesty of the angels. The composition is dynamic, with the angels and winds swirling in a chaotic yet controlled dance. This woodcut is an excellent example of the late Renaissance artistic style and offers insights into the religious concerns of the time. It is currently part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.