Kruisdraging 1629

This engraving, made by Christoffel van Sichem II, depicts Christ's procession to Calvary, a scene laden with symbolic weight. Here, the towering presence of the city gate looms as a symbol of earthly authority. Note how the cross, carried by Christ, becomes a potent motif, its form echoing through art history, from ancient Roman instruments of torture to symbols of sacrifice and redemption. Consider too, the halo, an emblem borrowed from pagan sun gods, now signifying divine grace. The path of Christ, weighed down by the cross, resonates with humanity’s shared experience of suffering. It’s a stark reminder that even divine figures are not immune to the trials of human existence. This is a visceral representation of an emotional state, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. These symbols have not only been passed down through history but have resurfaced and evolved, acquiring new meanings in diverse cultural contexts.