Leeuwen doden inwoners van Samaria 1645 - 1740

This black and white print, "Lions Killing the Inhabitants of Samaria," was made by Christoffel van Sichem II, who was active in the 17th century, a time of religious and political upheaval in Europe. The print illustrates a scene from the Bible, where lions are sent to punish the people of Samaria for their sins and lack of true faith. It’s hard to miss the stark visual of humans being attacked by lions right outside their homes. This image would have resonated deeply in a society where religious belief was tightly woven with daily life and divine retribution was a palpable fear. Sichem’s work doesn't just retell a biblical story, it reflects the anxieties and moral teachings of his time, serving as a visual reminder of the consequences of straying from religious doctrine. The print invites us to consider the power of religious narratives, and how these stories shaped the identity and moral compass of past societies.