Jozef vertelt zijn dromen 1645 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut print, "Jozef vertelt zijn dromen," sometime between 1581 and 1658. The composition, rendered in stark black and white, immediately draws our eye to the central figure of Joseph. He stands before his brothers beneath a celestial display of the sun, moon and stars. The architectural structure on the right creates a sense of enclosure, almost trapping the brothers as they listen. The figures are rendered with strong lines and hatching, creating a dramatic contrast between light and shadow. Sichem's use of linear perspective adds depth to the scene, while the overall design evokes a feeling of tension. The formal arrangement of the figures serves to emphasize Joseph's isolation and his brothers' collective skepticism. The stark contrast in the woodcut creates a visual metaphor for the conflict and jealousy at the heart of the biblical story. The print’s enduring power lies in its ability to transform a complex narrative into a visually striking and emotionally charged image.