Kruisiging van Christus 1572

Orazio de Santis’s engraving on paper, titled “Crucifixion of Christ,” presents the central event of Christian theology through the visual language of late 16th century Italy. The image creates meaning through a distinct visual code: Christ on the cross surrounded by mourners and angels. The Italian Renaissance in which de Santis worked was deeply shaped by the Catholic Church. Religious institutions commissioned and controlled much of the art, which served to reinforce doctrine and inspire faith. However, the period was also one of intense social change with the rise of humanism, challenging religious authority. De Santis’s work walks a fine line: while the subject is traditional, his artistic skill elevates the emotional impact, perhaps reflecting the era's changing attitudes. Art historians interpret such works by examining both religious texts and the social conditions that fostered shifts in artistic expression.