Christus bij de schaapskooi 1606

Claes Jansz. Visscher etched "Christ among the Sheepfold" in the Dutch Golden Age, an era of shifting religious perspectives. At its heart lies a profound symbol: the sheepfold. Historically, the sheepfold represents a safe space, a community under the protection of a shepherd. Christ stands at the door, a direct reference to the biblical declaration, "I am the door." This imagery echoes in ancient Near Eastern art, where divine figures are often portrayed guarding sacred thresholds, and later in Christian art, where Christ is the gatekeeper of Heaven. Yet here, the fold is under attack; figures on the roof tear it apart, an inversion of protection. This is a powerful emotional statement that can be linked to the subconscious fear of abandonment. The sheepfold is not just a symbol of safety, but also a fragile structure, mirroring the vulnerability of faith. As we gaze upon this scene, let us remember how these symbols are continuously reshaped by the ever-changing currents of human experience.