Mozes en de brandende braamstruik 1645 - 1646

This woodcut by Christoffel van Sichem II depicts Moses and the burning bush, a key moment in the Old Testament. The bush, engulfed in flames yet not consumed, symbolizes divine presence and revelation. The figure in the flames is, of course, God, depicted here with flowing hair and beard, emanating from the burning bush. It recalls classical images of deities, and the bush itself resonates with similar depictions of divine encounters in other cultures, like the sacred groves of ancient Greece. Here, the bush serves as a conduit between the earthly and the divine, an archetype that appears across time, echoing in symbols of enlightenment. Moses's posture—kneeling in awe—mirrors the universal response to the sublime, a posture of humility and reverence that appears throughout art history, from religious icons to secular portraits. The burning bush, as a symbol, transcends its biblical origins. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet continues to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level.