Daniël strooit as op de tempelvloer 1645 - 1646

This woodcut by Christoffel van Sichem II, depicts Daniel casting ashes upon the temple floor. Ashes, a potent symbol found across cultures, signify mourning, repentance, and the transient nature of life. Here, the act of scattering ashes reflects a profound cultural memory of purification rituals, echoed in ancient Greek tragedies and early Christian practices. Consider the symbolic weight of dust in Fra Angelico’s frescoes, where figures are often framed by golden light, yet remain grounded in earthly mortality. Ashes connect us to a primal understanding of human vulnerability. The checkerboard floor reminds one of the ever-changing fortunes of life, a memento mori that urges reflection on divine law. In the face of divine judgment, the figures express a deep, subconscious understanding of their fallibility. The scene becomes a stage for humanity's eternal dance with morality and consequence, compelling viewers to confront their own fleeting existence.