Laatste avondmaal 1648 - 1657

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut of the Last Supper. Dominating the scene, the haloed figure of Christ shares a final meal with his disciples, an image deeply embedded in Christian iconography. This scene symbolizes communion, sacrifice, and the dawning of a new covenant. Note the recurring motif of communal meals throughout history. In ancient mystery religions, shared meals were pivotal, forging bonds between participants and the divine. In Christian art, from the catacombs to the Renaissance, the Last Supper echoes and transforms these earlier traditions. Consider also the halo: derived from pagan sun symbols, it was adopted to signify divine light and grace. The emotional weight of this scene is palpable – the somber recognition of impending betrayal, the quiet desperation. It evokes a profound sense of collective memory, resonating with viewers through centuries of artistic and religious expression. This is not just a depiction; it’s a powerful emblem that engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of humanity's enduring quest for meaning.