Abraham trekt naar Kanaän c. 1645 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, "Abraham trekt naar Kanaän," likely in the early to mid-17th century in the Netherlands. The print depicts Abraham's journey to Canaan, a key moment in the Old Testament, rendered in a style typical of the period. The image's meaning is created through visual codes and cultural references. The walled archway and the figures' clothing evoke a Northern European aesthetic. The detailed rendering of the landscape and figures shows the cultural importance of biblical stories in a deeply religious society. The choice of a woodcut, a relatively accessible medium, suggests that the artist intended to reach a broad audience. The work probably reflects the religious and social structures of its time. The emphasis on obedience to God's will aligns with the conservative values of the period. Understanding this artwork requires us to examine the religious and social history of the Netherlands in the 17th century, including the role of printmaking in disseminating religious ideas.