Apocalyptische vrouw en de zevenkoppige draak before 1646

This small woodcut, Apocalyptic Woman and the Seven-Headed Dragon, was made by Christoffel van Sichem II. The black lines on the light paper give the image a stark contrast, immediately drawing your attention to the complex scene unfolding. The composition divides into celestial and terrestrial realms. Above, God and angels float amidst radiating light and swirling clouds. Below, the titular woman faces a menacing seven-headed dragon. Sichem uses line to create texture and depth, especially noticeable in the dragon’s scales and the woman’s flowing robes. The intricate linework creates a sense of movement and drama. The symmetry of the celestial figures is juxtaposed with the chaotic, serpentine form of the dragon. The placement of the woman—almost centered but slightly off—suggests a destabilization of traditional religious iconography. This print invites us to consider the dualities of good and evil, order and chaos, and how such symbolic dichotomies structure our understanding of the world.