Bewening van Christus 1613 - 1658

Paulus Pontius created this engraving, “Bewening van Christus,” sometime between 1603 and 1658. This piece reflects the cultural and religious climate of 17th-century Europe, steeped in the traditions of Christian iconography and the emotional intensity of Baroque art. Pontius captures a scene laden with grief, depicting the body of Christ surrounded by mourners. Consider the ways in which gender and emotion are intertwined here. The women, often relegated to the domestic sphere, are central figures of sorrow, their visible mourning contrasting with the stoicism expected of men during this period. Their display of emotion becomes a powerful expression of love, loss, and faith, challenging the patriarchal norms that sought to confine them. How does this representation shape our understanding of grief, and how do cultural expectations influence the ways in which we express our deepest emotions? The piece is more than just a religious scene; it is a profound exploration of human emotion and social identity.