Kruisafneming 1590 - 1622

This engraving by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert depicts the Descent from the Cross. Look closely and you’ll see the body of Christ being carefully lowered, mourned by those who loved him. Made in the Netherlands, we can consider this image within the context of the religious and political upheavals of the 17th century. The Protestant Reformation had challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to the rise of new forms of religious expression. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating religious ideas and imagery to a wider audience. The artist provides us with cues as to how this religious scene should be interpreted. For example, he has added a latin scripture, to be read in a specific order. By studying the visual language and historical context of this engraving, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shaped its creation. Resources such as historical archives, religious texts, and scholarly analyses can provide valuable insights into the world in which Bolswert lived and worked.