God zendt de engel Gabriel naar Maria before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut depicting the Annunciation. The image shows the angel Gabriel visiting Mary. The artwork reflects the religious and social context of the time, where the church played a central role in daily life and institutions. The composition utilizes visual codes that would have been easily understood in the Netherlands. We see the dove and God to the left, signalling the divine nature of the event. Van Sichem’s choice of woodcut, a more accessible medium than painting, suggests an intention to reach a broader audience. This was a period of religious reformation and consolidation, and images like this played a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing religious beliefs. Understanding this print requires us to consider the socio-political landscape of the time, researching the role of the church and the public’s access to religious imagery. Only then can we fully appreciate the intention and impact of Van Sichem's work.