Christ and the Canaanite Women c. 16th century

Abraham Bloemaert rendered this drawing, titled "Christ and the Canaanite Woman", with pen and brown ink, and grey wash. Bloemaert uses the biblical narrative to question the dynamics of power and identity of his time. This story, set in a society that marginalized women and non-Jewish people, challenges the conventional representations of gender, race, and class. Look at the Canaanite woman; she’s not merely a supplicant but a figure of defiance and faith, who dares to question Christ, who was, in this time, a symbol of male, religious authority. The emotional depth of this piece invites us to reflect on our own biases and preconceptions and to ask ourselves how we can challenge oppressive structures in our own lives. Bloemaert encourages viewers to consider the intersections of identity and power, prompting a deeper understanding of social justice.