Verrijzenis van Christus 1590 - 1622

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this small print, ‘Verrijzenis van Christus’, using engraving techniques. The dramatic composition, rendered in stark contrasts of light and shadow, immediately draws the eye. A radiant Christ ascends, framed by a burst of light, while below, soldiers lie in disarray, overwhelmed by the divine event. The print’s structure hinges on a visual dichotomy between the celestial and the terrestrial. Bolswert uses line and form to establish a clear hierarchy: the ascending Christ dominates the upper portion, his figure elongated and idealized, acting as a visual signifier of triumph. The use of chiaroscuro amplifies this effect, casting the earthly realm into a comparative darkness. This dynamic interplay challenges traditional notions of space and perspective. The print, far from being a mere illustration, becomes a site where the boundaries between the sacred and the profane are destabilized. Note how the formal elements work together to evoke a sense of awe and transformation, reflecting the complex cultural and theological currents of its time.