Golgotha 1816 - 1886

Charles Onghena created this small drawing, titled "Golgotha," in the 19th century, using pen and ink on paper. The stark, monochromatic palette emphasizes the graphic quality of the drawing, directing our attention to the artist's skillful manipulation of line. The lines are not merely descriptive but are also expressive, conveying depth, volume, and texture through hatching and cross-hatching. Look closely at the contrast between the dense, chaotic lines depicting the crowd and the smooth, delicate lines used for Christ's body on the cross, this reflects not just artistic skill but also a deliberate aesthetic choice. The process of drawing, with its direct connection between the artist’s hand and the paper, imbues the work with a sense of immediacy and intimacy. This highly skilled, labor-intensive work would have been destined for an elite clientele, demonstrating that even a simple drawing can be a powerful vehicle for both artistic expression and social commentary.