Christus aan het kruis 1625 - 1670

Editor: This is "Christus aan het kruis," or Christ on the Cross, an etching by Mattheus Borrekens, made sometime between 1625 and 1670. It’s incredibly graphic. The depiction of suffering is… intense. What strikes you about this work? Curator: The intense physicality, precisely. Borrekens forces us to confront the sheer brutality of the crucifixion. But consider the historical context: printmaking democratized imagery. How does this image challenge or reinforce the socio-political structures surrounding religious authority at that time? How might its circulation impacted beliefs around power, sacrifice, and salvation among different communities? Editor: So, it's not just about religious devotion; it's about social commentary, too? Curator: Precisely. The image also uses multiple languages on the scroll above Christ, from Hebrew to Latin, reflecting the multicultural world. It challenges us to explore who this narrative excludes, as much as it includes. Editor: I see. It’s interesting how a single image can spark so many questions about the social landscape. Curator: Exactly. It highlights the ongoing conversation between religious art and power structures, constantly in flux. The printmaking, in this piece, transforms religious art into a platform. What's your impression? Does the print succeed in this respect, perhaps activating or disrupting social views of faith during the Baroque? Editor: Absolutely. It makes me consider how images, even religious ones, can be powerful tools for dialogue and potentially, for social change. Curator: And that’s the power of engaging with art critically – uncovering these layers of meaning and sparking reflection.