Noach krijgt de opdracht de ark te betreden c. 1645 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut print of Noah receiving the order to enter the Ark. It's a small but powerful image, made during a time of religious and social upheaval in the Netherlands. The story of Noah, his family, and the animals seeking refuge from the flood, speaks to themes of survival, divine judgment, and the possibility of renewal. Sichem situates Noah outside the ark, kneeling, perhaps caught between faith and the unknown. The animals stream towards the ark, two by two, a testament to the power of creation and procreation. We might consider the emotional weight of this moment, the vulnerability of those seeking shelter, and the challenges to traditional beliefs. Sichem's work isn't just an illustration; it's an invitation to reflect on our own relationship to the natural world, our moral responsibilities, and the enduring human quest for safety and meaning in times of crisis.