Mordekai in rouwkleren 1645 - 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut titled "Mordekai in rouwkleren" sometime in the first half of the 17th century, likely in the Netherlands. The print depicts a scene from the Book of Esther, where Mordecai mourns the decree to annihilate the Jews. Sichem's choice of this subject matter reflects the religious and political climate of the Dutch Republic. As a Protestant nation that had fought for independence from Catholic Spain, the Dutch identified with the plight of the Jews in the Bible. The print's distribution was facilitated by the well-established printing industry of the time. To better understand the cultural significance of this print, we can consult historical sources, religious texts, and art historical literature. By examining the social and institutional context in which it was created, we gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring message. The meaning of art changes depending on context.