Stamvaders Levi en Juda 1585 - 1643

This engraving, Stamvaders Levi en Juda, was created by Johann Sadeler I around the turn of the 17th century. It presents us with Levi and Juda, figures central to the construction of Jewish identity and nationhood. Sadeler situates these Biblical figures in a visual language of power, reminiscent of classical antiquity. Levi is depicted leading an army, while Juda stands regally with a lion, a symbol of strength and royalty. These images would resonate with the political and religious tensions of Sadeler’s time, when European societies were grappling with questions of authority and identity. The choice to depict Levi and Juda in such a commanding way speaks to the complex interplay between religious narrative, cultural identity, and political power. How do these portrayals reinforce or challenge contemporary notions of leadership and societal roles? The emotional weight of this work lies in its ability to evoke both a sense of historical significance and an awareness of the ongoing negotiation of identity.