Laat uw koninkrijk komen before 1646

This print, “Laat uw koninkrijk komen,” was made by Christoffel van Sichem II, likely around the mid-17th century, using woodcut. As a relief printing technique, woodcut involves carving away the negative space, leaving the design to stand in relief. The block is then inked and pressed onto paper. The bold, graphic nature of woodcut lends itself to powerful imagery, as we see here, where the forces of good and evil vie for control of the earth. The stark contrast between light and shadow, a hallmark of the medium, reinforces the drama. Look closely, and you'll see that Sichem has skillfully used line work to create texture and depth, giving the scene a palpable sense of energy. Woodcut has a long history as a democratic medium, allowing for the wide dissemination of images and ideas. In this case, it serves to communicate a potent religious message, reflecting the social and political tensions of the time. This artwork reminds us that even the most seemingly simple materials can be used to create images of immense power and complexity.