Christus kiest zijn discipelen 1483 - 1486

This is the 'Christ Chooses his Disciples' print by the Master of Haarlem. The work is a woodcut that was later hand-painted, a technique that dates back to the early 15th century. Looking at this image, it is interesting to consider the notion of "the chosen one", and wonder about what it might have felt like to be among the first disciples. We are presented with a very human Jesus, standing in a somewhat awkward pose, with his hand on his heart, perhaps suggesting that he wants the disciples to follow their own. A group of men stands at the ready, seemingly eager to join the "new" religion. The artist uses a somewhat naive style with basic figuration and flat, bold colours that add to the work's emotional impact. These choices perhaps emphasize a sense of earnest simplicity that is intended to resonate with the faithful.