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Original fileAscension of Christ and Enoch
Hemelvaart van Christus Hemelvaart van Henoch Henoch word opgenomen ten hemel (titel op object)
after Hendrick Goltzius
About This Work
Enoch rises toward the heavens with his arms outstretched, surrounded by billowing celestial clouds. Below, a group of men and women in stylized biblical dress react with surprise and reverence, gathered near a stone altar or woodpile. The image is a seventeenth-century engraving accompanied by Dutch verse and a citation from the Book of Genesis.
In Western esotericism, Enoch is a figure of supreme importance, often identified with the archangel Metatron in Kabbalah and syncretized with Hermes Trismegistus. His 'translation' or ascension without death is frequently interpreted as an allegory for the spiritualization of the human soul and the attainment of divine knowledge.
Inscriptions(Dutch)
Henoch word opgenomen ten Hemel. Gen. V: 24. Beschouw Gods Liefden hier ten hoogsten top gestegen, Den vromen Henoch, tot zyn Schepper steeds genegen, Die wandelde met Godt in Liefde en Zuyverheid, Vol sterk Geloove op het Heyl, dat na de tyd, Van waare aanbidders word in eeuwigheid gevonden: Zoo verr' dat de yver Gods dien reinen heeft verslonden.