Gevangenneming van Christus 1648 - 1657

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut print, titled "Gevangenneming van Christus" in the early 17th century. Sichem, who lived through the Dutch Golden Age, captured a pivotal scene from the Bible with a palpable sense of drama. The print depicts the moment of Christ's arrest, underscored by the expressions of the figures and the stark contrast between light and shadow. The emotional tension is palpable, drawing viewers into the heart of the betrayal and confrontation. While Sichem adheres to traditional biblical narratives, his use of light and shadow infuses the scene with emotional depth. The artist prompts us to reflect on themes of justice, faith, and the complex dynamics of power and persecution. How might this scene resonate differently depending on one's own lived experiences and social positioning? The capture of Christ is not just a religious scene, it is a meditation on power.