Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van Jezus vallende onder het kruis door Peter Paul Rubens before 1869

This is a reproduction by Edmond Fierlants of Peter Paul Rubens’s depiction of Christ collapsing under the weight of the cross. Dominating the scene is the motif of the fallen figure, laden with burdens, both physical and spiritual. This image resonates deeply with our collective memory. The motif of the falling figure is echoed throughout art history, from ancient depictions of defeated warriors to modern portrayals of human suffering. Consider, for instance, the figures in classical depictions of the "Fall of the Titans," in which the Titans are being sent to the underworld; what psychological underpinnings are activated when we view Christ, whose fate is to resurrect, adopting the posture of eternal damnation? This position of surrender and defeat, of powerlessness, taps into the same deep vein of human experience, echoing across centuries and cultures. The image engages with the viewer on a subconscious level because we collectively recognize the emotional and psychological weight of such a gesture. It serves as a potent reminder of the burdens we all carry, suggesting the cyclical nature of suffering, redemption, and the enduring human spirit.