Gevangenneming van Paulus in Jeruzalem before 1646

This is "The Imprisonment of Paul in Jerusalem" made by Christoffel van Sichem II. It's a woodcut, a medium that lends itself to strong contrasts and textures. Look at how van Sichem uses dense, parallel lines to create shadow and form, especially in the clothing and architecture. These aren't just descriptive; they build up a sense of depth, giving the scene a dynamic, almost chaotic energy. The composition is structured to draw your eye from the chaos on the ground to the figures on the steps, creating a visual hierarchy. The use of linear perspective is evident but somewhat distorted, which intensifies the emotional impact, disrupting any classical sense of order. The contrast between light and shadow is not merely aesthetic; it creates a dramatic tension that mirrors the conflict of the scene. Van Sichem challenges the viewer to interpret this event, presenting a complex interplay of power, belief, and human fallibility.