Visitatie 1581 - 1658

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, titled 'Visitatie,' sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. The image depicts the biblical scene of the Visitation, where Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Set against a backdrop of early modern domesticity, both women are rendered with a dignified presence, yet their embrace suggests a shared understanding beyond the patriarchal structures of their time. The surrounding figures, including the men, appear almost as supporting players, their expressions ranging from curiosity to reverence. Van Sichem’s choice to depict this moment underscores the power and importance of female relationships and solidarity, providing an alternative narrative within religious art that emphasizes the emotional and personal dimensions of faith. The artist invites us to reflect on the historical and cultural contexts that shape our understanding of these iconic figures.