Engel met de veronicadoek bij het kruis 1608 - 1658

Abraham Hogenberg created this print, "Angel with the Sudarium at the Cross," sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During this period, the visual arts were deeply intertwined with religious and political upheaval in Europe. Hogenberg, working in this context, presents us with more than just a religious scene. He shows an angel holding up the Veil of Veronica, bearing the image of Christ's face. This depiction invites us to reflect on themes of faith, suffering, and divine intervention. But perhaps more profoundly, it speaks to the role of images in shaping belief and cultural identity. Hogenberg’s work draws from traditional Christian narratives, yet it introduces a fresh perspective by focusing on the emotional weight of the crucifixion through the angel's sorrowful gaze. The print reflects a deeply personal and communal experience, where faith is both a source of solace and a confrontation with the harsh realities of human existence.