Laatste avondmaal 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, "Last Supper", the dimensions of which are 114 by 76 mm. The composition unfolds with a pronounced verticality, contrasting the divine and the earthly. The dense, cross-hatched lines create a somber mood. Observe the linear perspective of the architecture. It draws the eye upwards, creating an almost theatrical backdrop for the biblical narrative. Sichem uses stark contrast to highlight Christ, whose figure is bathed in light, versus the disciples, whose faces are cast in shadow, possibly signifying their coming crisis of faith. The dense lines and intricate details not only convey texture but also create a sense of confinement. Consider this work not merely as a religious illustration but as a reflection of the artist's formal concerns with line, space, and the expressive potential of black and white. The woodcut medium itself contributes to the overall effect, with its inherent limitations and graphic intensity amplifying the drama of the scene.