Koning Josia scheurt zijn kleren bij het horen van de wet 1643

This print, by an anonymous artist, depicts King Josiah tearing his clothes upon hearing the law. Visually, the composition is structured around architectural elements, drawing the eye through a series of spatial planes. The foreground presents us with the immediate drama, while the background reveals additional figures and structures, creating a sense of depth and layering. Note how the artist uses contrasting light and shadow to define forms and create a hierarchy of attention. The king’s action, a visceral response to the words of the law, can be viewed through a semiotic lens. Tearing one’s clothes is a sign, a cultural code signifying grief, remorse, or outrage. In this context, it represents a profound recognition of the gap between divine law and human action. Consider how this print engages with ideas of power, obedience, and the interpretation of sacred texts. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between visual representation and the construction of meaning. The artwork remains a site of active interpretation.