Familie rondom een doodsbed 1915

Armand Rassenfosse created this etching titled "Family around a Deathbed". The cross hanging above the bed is an ancient symbol, reaching back to pre-Christian times, often representing the intersection of the divine and the earthly. This image of a family gathered in mourning evokes a primal scene, a universal tableau of grief. Notice how the bowed head of the kneeling figure echoes poses found in countless depictions of mourning across different eras, connecting personal loss to a collective, historical experience of sorrow. The cross, a symbol of suffering and redemption, takes on new layers of meaning here, transforming from a religious icon into a potent emblem of human vulnerability. Consider how the emotional weight of this scene is heightened by the stark, unforgiving lines of the etching, underscoring the raw, unvarnished reality of death. The arrangement of figures around the bed is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol transcends its religious origins, resonating with the ever-present reality of death and loss. It highlights how symbols like the cross continually resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.