Zondvloed 1645 - 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, “Zondvloed,” depicting Noah’s Ark, during a time of religious and social upheaval in the Netherlands. As a visual representation of the Great Flood, a story deeply embedded in the Judeo-Christian tradition, it reflects both the fears and the hopes of a society grappling with change. The print pulls us into a moment of desperation. We see figures struggling against the rising waters, their nakedness underscoring vulnerability. Some seek refuge on a precarious rock, while others cling to a tree, their faces etched with fear. The ark, a symbol of salvation, looms in the background, a stark contrast to the chaos engulfing humanity. Van Sichem's choice to depict the figures nude speaks to a loss of innocence, a stripping away of societal roles in the face of nature's wrath. “Zondvloed” presents a powerful reminder of humanity’s fragile existence. It’s a reflection on faith, survival, and the emotional toll of catastrophic events.