Christus voor Annas 1648

Christoffel van Sichem II created this small woodcut, Christus before Annas. Look at how he uses the dense crosshatching to create an intricate visual tapestry. The composition is divided into distinct zones. On the left, a cluster of soldiers escorts Christ, while on the right, Annas sits enthroned. The contrast between the active, compressed forms of the soldiers and the static, expansive form of Annas introduces a thematic tension. Note how van Sichem disrupts a harmonious balance. The figures are not arranged symmetrically, and the perspective is slightly distorted. This challenges conventional notions of idealised beauty and invites reflection on the unsettling nature of the depicted event. Through the careful arrangement of line and form, van Sichem prompts a deeper engagement with the narrative, urging us to confront the complexities of power, justice, and representation. This artwork remains an open field for interpretation.