Zegenende Christus 1455 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving of the blessing Christ in the late fifteenth century, a period marked by religious fervor and burgeoning artistic innovation. Here, Christ stands with a book in his left hand, bestowing a blessing with his right. Van Meckenem's intricate lines capture the texture of Christ's robes and the solemnity of his expression. The globe under Christ's bare foot is symbolic of his dominion over Earth. During this era, the Church wielded immense power, shaping societal norms and dictating much of artistic production. Consider how van Meckenem was influenced by these religious and cultural forces, yet was also driven by his own artistic interpretation of religious iconography. The emotional depth conveyed through Christ's expression invites reflection on faith, authority, and the human quest for divine connection.