Engel met de lijkwade van Christus 1608 - 1658

This engraving of an angel with Christ’s burial shroud was created by Abraham Hogenberg, sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th centuries. Hogenberg lived during a period of intense religious conflict and transformation in Europe. Here, the angel, traditionally seen as a messenger of God, is rendered with a pronounced, almost sensual physicality. The angel's androgynous features challenge traditional gender norms, inviting contemplation on the fluidity of identity. The shroud, a symbol of death, is juxtaposed with the angel's vibrant presence, creating an emotional tension between loss and hope. The background depicts the three Marys on their way to the tomb. The angel is holding the burial shroud, signaling the resurrection, a narrative that challenges the finality of death and offers solace. This piece reflects the societal and personal struggle to reconcile faith with mortality, inviting viewers to confront and find peace with the unknown.