Smalle weg naar de hemel / Steniging van Stefanus / Christus wijst de weg naar het hemels Jeruzalem / Belegering van het hart before 1767

Cornelis van Noorde created this print, "Small Road to Heaven" somewhere around the late 18th century, using etching and engraving techniques. During this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing social and political upheaval, and there was a growing interest in religious and moral themes in art. This print, divided into four scenes, is a visual sermon about faith, sacrifice, and the pursuit of salvation. Each scene depicts a different stage or aspect of this spiritual journey. We see Christ leading the way, the stoning of Saint Stephen, figures carrying a cross, and a siege. These scenes evoke intense emotional responses; suffering, hope, and perseverance. They invite contemplation on the costs and rewards of religious devotion, and can be seen as metaphors for navigating the challenges of life with faith as a guide. Van Noorde’s work reflects the period’s emphasis on personal piety and moral introspection, using religious narratives to impart ethical lessons. It reminds us that the intersection of faith, identity, and societal values continues to shape our understanding of the world.