Bewening van Christus 1855

This is Louis Pierre Henriquel-Dupont's engraving "Bewening van Christus" at the Rijksmuseum. Born in 1797, Henriquel-Dupont lived through times of great social upheaval. Look at how the figures are arranged. We see Christ at the center, surrounded by mourners, mostly women. Consider the role of women during the 19th century. Often relegated to the domestic sphere, religious art provided a space for exploring female grief and empathy in the public eye. What does it mean to depict women as the primary witnesses and mourners of Christ's suffering? Henriquel-Dupont worked during a time when religious art was often used to reinforce social hierarchies and norms. But here, there is an emphasis on the shared humanity of those gathered around Christ. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of faith, gender, and social identity during this era. It encourages empathy and challenges viewers to consider alternative narratives that emphasize human connection.