Israëlieten werken in slavernij in Egypte 1645 - 1646

This woodcut, "Israelites working in slavery in Egypt," was created by Christoffel van Sichem II, a Dutch artist, around the mid-17th century. Sichem’s depiction reflects a period marked by religious and political tensions in Europe. During this time, the story of the Israelites was often invoked as a commentary on contemporary issues of oppression and freedom. Van Sichem, working within this context, uses the biblical narrative to perhaps mirror the socio-political landscape of his time. What strikes me most is the way Sichem portrays the human cost of slavery. We see individuals struggling under heavy loads, their bodies strained, their faces etched with exhaustion. This image doesn't just tell a story; it evokes the harsh realities faced by those who are subjugated, inviting us to reflect on the universal themes of suffering, resistance, and the quest for liberation.