Christus praat tegen de mannen gestuurd om hem te arresteren 1629 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, "Christus praat tegen de mannen gestuurd om hem te arresteren," translating to 'Christ speaks to the men sent to arrest him.' Sichem was working in the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Netherlands was a hub for religious and artistic expression. This black and white print captures a biblical scene with Jesus and the Roman soldiers who are coming to arrest him. Consider the role and identity of Judas who betrayed Jesus, and how religious and political authorities intersected during that time. It highlights the dynamics between those in power and those perceived as threats to the existing social order. The artist may have been trying to evoke empathy for Jesus. He develops a narrative that not only challenges the traditional understanding of power but also touches on themes of sacrifice and faith.