The Resurrection of Christ 1642 - 1654

Wenceslaus Hollar, a 17th-century Bohemian printmaker, created this etching, "The Resurrection of Christ." Hollar, who lived through the tumultuous Thirty Years' War, often used his art to comment on the social and political landscape of his time. In this print, we see a reinterpretation of the biblical scene where the soldiers guarding Christ's tomb are not depicted as vigilant or awestruck, but rather as feasting monks. The inscription below the image suggests a satirical commentary on religious hypocrisy, where those entrusted with guarding sacred spaces indulge in worldly pleasures. The emotional impact of this piece lies in its jarring contrast between the divine event of the Resurrection and the mundane, almost comical, behavior of the guards. Hollar challenges traditional representations of religious events, offering a narrative that critiques the moral failings within the Church. This artwork shapes a societal reflection by questioning institutional integrity while evoking personal contemplation on faith and human fallibility.