Christus met kruisvaandel maakt zegenend gebaar 1517 - 1577

This is an engraving of Christ with a crusader's standard, making a blessing gesture, created by an anonymous artist. Consider how the figure of Christ has been historically represented. This image does not maintain traditional depictions. The artist creates an alternative narrative of Christ with the introduction of the crusader's standard. The crusades were a series of religious wars in the medieval period, reflecting deep cultural and political tensions. How does this symbol change the perception of Christ? How does it influence the understanding of religious authority, power, and identity? While Christ is commonly understood as a symbol of peace, this engraving brings forth a different understanding, creating an unsettling tension for the viewer. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of historical narratives and their impact on contemporary understandings of identity, faith, and power.