Gebed voor de maaltijd c. 1645 - 1740

"Gebed voor de maaltijd" (c. 1645 - 1740) is a wood-engraving by Christoffel van (II) Sichem (1581-1658), part of a series of illustrations for the book *Den Geloofigen Spiegel* by Jacob Cats. This small, detailed engraving portrays a scene from the Book of Genesis: Noah and his family, including his wife and children, gather for a meal. This biblical scene highlights themes of faith, family, and the importance of prayer. The engraving's fine lines and intricate details capture the scene in vivid detail, with the figures and the surrounding environment depicted with great care. "Gebed voor de maaltijd" exemplifies the art of wood-engraving, a highly skilled technique that uses a precise cutting tool to create an image on a wood block. The print is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and is an important example of the art and religious practices of the 17th century.