Onthoofding van Jakobus de Meerdere 1629 - 1740

"David Orders the Execution of the Amalekite" is an engraving made by Christoffel van Sichem the Younger, sometime between 1581 and 1658. The piece depicts David ordering the execution of an Amalekite man who confessed to killing the former King Saul. Sichem was part of a large family of Dutch printmakers, and his work was made during the rise of the Dutch Republic, a time of great religious and political upheaval. During this time, printmaking was essential for spreading ideas and influencing public opinion. Sichem's choice to depict this scene from the Old Testament reflects the religious and moral concerns of his time. The image raises questions of loyalty, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. The figures are rendered with a somber tone. David's posture and gaze convey a sense of grim determination, while the Amalekite is shown kneeling. The engraving serves as a commentary on leadership, obedience, and divine law, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex interplay between power, morality, and fate.