Christus geneest een man met waterzucht op sabbat 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut depicting "Christ healing a man with dropsy on the Sabbath." Sichem, active during the Counter-Reformation, uses his art to communicate religious and moral ideas, deeply shaped by the socio-political context of the time. This scene reflects the tension between divine law and human suffering. Christ's act of healing challenges the strict interpretation of Sabbath laws, a bold statement against religious rigidity. Dropsy, causing severe swelling, was not just a disease but a symbol of marginalization. Notice how the man leans heavily on a staff; his posture speaks volumes about his physical and social vulnerability. Sichem invites us to consider who is included and excluded in religious practices. Does strict adherence to rules overshadow compassion and care for those in need? This woodcut, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize empathy, challenging us to reflect on our own biases and actions.