Gelijkenis van het verloren schaap 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut titled 'Parable of the Lost Sheep'. The artwork visualizes the New Testament parable of the lost sheep, setting a biblical narrative within the cultural context of the Netherlands. Made during a period of religious and social change, this piece would resonate with contemporary audiences. The image uses visual codes to communicate religious ideas, with Christ at the center, surrounded by figures that represent different reactions to faith and redemption. The detailed background, complete with a contemporary village, connects the divine message to everyday life in the 17th-century Netherlands. By placing the parable in a familiar setting, Sichem II makes the religious lesson more accessible. This piece can be understood as a commentary on the social structures of its time, particularly on community and the individual's role within it. As historians, understanding such an artwork requires exploring the religious, social, and institutional histories that shaped its creation and reception, which includes delving into contemporary sermons and popular religious literature.