Heilige vrouwen bij het graf 1588 - 1595

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving of the Holy Women at the Tomb sometime between 1570 and 1601. It depicts a moment from the Gospels when three women discover that Jesus' body is no longer in his tomb. Sadeler was a Flemish artist working at a time when the Catholic Church was eager to reaffirm its doctrines after the Protestant Reformation. Images like this played a key role in that effort. The artist uses visual cues such as the women's grief and the empty tomb to emphasize the importance of faith and the miracle of the Resurrection. The Latin inscription, which translates to "They have taken away my Lord," further underscores the emotional and spiritual weight of the scene. Understanding the historical context of religious reform helps us appreciate how art was used to shape religious beliefs. The Rijksmuseum's collection of prints and historical texts can help us understand the nuances of this cultural moment.