Jesus before Caiaphas 1644 - 1652

Wenceslaus Hollar created this small print, "Jesus before Caiaphas," using etching, a meticulous intaglio process. The image is built from thousands of tiny etched lines, bitten into the metal plate by acid. The stark contrast creates depth and drama, emphasizing the scene's tension, as religious figures surround Jesus. Hollar's skilled rendering captures the textures of fabric and architectural details, hinting at his mastery of conveying material reality through line. The act of etching itself, with its reliance on precision and control, mirrors the rigid structures of religious authority depicted. Hollar’s print subtly critiques the social and political dynamics of his time, questioning the power structures through the very medium he employs. The image's creation involved skilled labor, from preparing the plate to the final print. Appreciating this history helps us understand the print’s social context and how art and craft intersect to convey powerful messages.