Graflegging van Christus 1765 - 1828

Carl Ernst Christoph Hess created this intaglio print, "Graflegging van Christus," sometime before his death in 1828. Religious art like this was often commissioned by the church or wealthy patrons to reinforce Christian doctrine. Here, we see the entombment of Christ, a scene laden with emotional and spiritual significance. What's striking is how Hess positions the women in the composition. They aren't merely passive observers; instead, they are active participants in mourning, their grief palpable. This challenges the traditional, often patriarchal, depictions of women in religious art as secondary figures. Consider, too, how the artist uses light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, to heighten the drama and emotional intensity. The figures emerge from darkness, their faces etched with sorrow. It's as if Hess invites us to witness this intimate moment, to feel the weight of loss and the promise of resurrection. This artwork is more than a depiction of a biblical event; it's a profound meditation on grief, faith, and the enduring power of human connection.