Chilkia leest de wetten voor aan koning Josia 1538

Hans Holbein the Younger made this woodcut, "Chilkia leest de wetten voor aan koning Josia", which translates to "Hilkiah Reading the Laws to King Josiah." Holbein made this image during the Reformation, a period of religious and political upheaval that challenged traditional authority. This work comes from the Old Testament story of King Josiah, who instigated sweeping religious reforms after rediscovering the Book of Law. The print is a black and white image, and the lack of color simplifies the scene to focus on structure and message. King Josiah sits attentively, absorbing the words being read. Hilkiah, the high priest, reads with focused intent, his clothing indicating his high position. The burning pyre in the background indicates the destruction of idols, symbolizing a cleansing of prior beliefs and the embracing of new doctrines. This print reflects the period's focus on scripture and reform and the profound shift in religious understanding and social order. The image resonates with an emotional and intellectual weight.