Intocht in Jeruzalem 1629 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut titled "Entry into Jerusalem," sometime in the early 17th century, depicting Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem. It offers a glimpse into the religious and social landscape of the Dutch Republic. The image uses visual codes familiar to its time. We see Jesus riding humbly on a donkey, surrounded by a crowd laying down cloaks and palm branches. These are direct references to the Gospels and the Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah, framing Jesus's arrival as the fulfillment of scripture. The architecture and clothing reflect a northern European interpretation of the biblical narrative, typical of the period. Produced during the rise of print culture in the Netherlands, this image was likely part of a larger series intended for popular consumption. As such, it participated in the dissemination of religious ideas and the construction of a shared cultural identity. The work reinforces existing social hierarchies while simultaneously offering a message of hope and redemption. To fully understand its meaning, we might consult theological texts, popular literature, and social histories of the period. Only then can we appreciate the complex interplay of faith, politics, and artistic production in the Dutch Republic.