Mozes vertrekt uit Egypte en neemt het lichaam van Jozef mee 1645 - 1740

This engraving, "Mozes vertrekt uit Egypte en neemt het lichaam van Jozef mee," was created by Christoffel van Sichem II. Look closely at how Sichem uses densely packed lines to create a sense of movement and depth. The linear perspective emphasizes the departure from Egypt, with the figures receding towards the background mountains. Notice how the mountains are built up with layered parallel lines, conveying their solid, imposing presence. Meanwhile, a strange almost phallic smoky form rises. The artist's formal choices reflect a broader cultural context. The Exodus narrative symbolizes liberation and the establishment of identity. By focusing on the structural elements of the composition, Sichem invites us to consider how line, form, and space work together to communicate complex ideas about freedom and destiny. The density of the lines and forms mirror the weight of history and the arduous journey towards a promised land. It is a reminder that the interpretation of art is an active process.