Doortocht door de Schelfzee 1645 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, "Doortocht door de Schelfzee," sometime between 1600 and 1658. It depicts the biblical narrative of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic experienced a surge in religious and political introspection, fueled by the Reformation and the Eighty Years' War. Sichem's choice to represent this particular biblical scene speaks to themes of liberation and divine intervention that resonated deeply with a society struggling for independence. Note how the Israelites are portrayed in a European context, with attire and physical features reflecting the artist's cultural milieu. This interpretation raises questions about cultural appropriation and the imposition of dominant narratives onto marginalized histories. How does Sichem’s representation invite viewers to reflect on their own beliefs, and to empathize with the plight of the oppressed? It certainly encourages an emotional connection to the narrative.