Opstanding van Christus 1606

Curator: Let’s consider this compelling print, "Opstanding van Christus" – "Resurrection of Christ" – created in 1606 by Balthasar Caymox. It's currently held in the Rijksmuseum’s collection and offers a distinct visual interpretation of a pivotal biblical moment. Editor: Wow, my immediate reaction? Utter chaos! In a beautiful, controlled way, of course. There’s so much movement, so much drama packed into this engraving. It feels like a visual shout. Curator: Absolutely. Caymox, working within the Baroque tradition, employed dramatic diagonals and dynamic figures. We can examine this work through a lens that considers power dynamics: the subjugation of earthly authority, represented by the Roman soldiers, in the face of divine power. It mirrors contemporary conflicts—both spiritual and political. Editor: Yeah, that vanquished army really sets the scene. But, look at Christ himself – that glow is pretty electrifying! It almost looks like he's disco dancing, not defeating death, hahaha... Seriously, the man is absolutely radiating freedom. Curator: And what do you make of Christ's contrapposto pose and active positioning above the scene? I wonder how we might link that with theories on triumphant masculinity in religious iconography and contemporary thinking around heroic, colonial masculinity. Editor: Ah! Interesting... well, it gives him that commanding presence. Honestly? It kind of puts me in mind of 70's rock stars with all that unruly hair and the chest bared – it is quite an epic entrance. A rebirth, a rebirth as the *ultimate* front man. Curator: Indeed! The details of the soldier’s armor compared with the lightness of Christ's flowing robes... that deliberate contrast highlights themes of spiritual ascension and liberation from physical constraints. And in considering colonialism, think about the history painting genre – Caymox participates in this established framework of heroic depictions as part of his approach. Editor: Exactly, he becomes almost larger than life! The radiating lines are *really* working overtime. You're right about all the elements—he's not only divine and powerful, but the robes suggest an ascension almost *too* good to be true. It does speak volumes of this era's views on authority! I may also want that hair! Curator: Looking at the historical context helps me better appreciate what Caymox intended. Thinking about audience reception then compared with now, also adds another layer. Editor: Right. But the heart wants what the heart wants. It wants that hair and the glow up too! Curator: And now? Thinking more deeply makes me see something more to this very moment that the artist put forward.