Christus geboeid en met doornenkroon 1809

Lambertus Antonius Claessens created this engraving of “Christus geboeid en met doornenkroon” in the late 18th or early 19th century. The oval composition focuses our gaze on Christ, framed by a flat, neutral background. Claessens uses a formal vocabulary that invites contemplation and emphasizes the pathos of the scene. The upward gaze and restrained emotion evoke a sense of divine suffering and resignation. The crown of thorns and the bound hands are rendered with meticulous detail, drawing attention to the textures. Semiotically, the thorns are a signifier of pain and sacrifice. The artist uses the contrast of light and shadow to sculpt the figure, intensifying the emotional impact. This engraving operates within a network of cultural codes where religious iconography is interwoven with artistic expression. The serene formal presentation invites a deeper exploration of the spiritual and philosophical implications of the artwork.