Nadab en Abihu gedood door vlammen 1728

Jacob de Later created this print, titled ‘Nadab en Abihu gedood door vlammen’, using etching techniques. The composition is dominated by a stark contrast between light and shadow, enhancing the dramatic tension of the scene. The figures are rendered with detailed lines, which gives a sense of movement and chaos. The visual narrative is structured around the central event: the divine punishment of Nadab and Abihu. The artist uses the element of fire, depicted through swirling lines and contrasting tones, as a symbol of divine judgement. This symbolic element disrupts the conventional harmony, introducing a disruptive force that challenges the established order. The figures' gestures and expressions, rendered with meticulous detail, convey a range of emotional responses, from horror to acceptance, contributing to the overall sense of turmoil. This work functions not just as a biblical depiction, but also as a mediation on authority, transgression, and divine justice, echoing philosophical inquiries into the nature of power and obedience.