Mozes breekt de tafelen der wet

This engraving by Christoffel van Sichem the Younger, titled 'Moses Breaks the Tablets of the Law', was made in the Netherlands in the 17th Century. The print illustrates a pivotal moment from the Book of Exodus, where Moses, upon descending Mount Sinai, witnesses the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. Enraged by this betrayal of their covenant with God, Moses smashes the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Consider the context of its making; the Dutch Republic was deeply engaged with biblical narratives. The story of Moses resonated profoundly with Dutch society, which was undergoing its own struggles for religious and political freedom. Printmaking was essential to the dissemination of ideas; Sichem’s image would have served as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the importance of adhering to divine law. To fully understand this artwork, one might delve into the religious and political climate of the 17th-century Netherlands, exploring the role of printmaking in shaping public opinion and reinforcing moral values.