Profetie van Zacharia 1645 - 1646

This is Christoffel van Sichem the Younger's woodcut, “Prophecy of Zacharias," made in the 17th-century. The composition is structured around stark contrasts of light and shadow achieved through dense, parallel lines. Notice how Sichem uses these lines to model form and create depth. The monochromatic palette forces us to focus on the textures and patterns created by the woodcut technique, from the robes of the figures to the rough texture of the landscape. This image reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns of its time. The formal elements of the work invite us to consider how the interplay of light and shadow, line and form, contributes to the overall meaning and emotional impact of the scene. In its graphic simplicity, Sichem's woodcut presents a complex interplay between religious narrative and artistic expression. This piece serves as a powerful testament to the enduring capacity of art to convey profound ideas.