Kruisafname en bewening van Christus 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this engraving of the 'Descent from the Cross and Lamentation' sometime between 1660 and 1737. The print captures a powerful moment of grief and tenderness following Christ’s crucifixion. Prints like this one served as visual tools for religious devotion, reflecting the intersection of faith, art, and personal identity in the Dutch Republic. Consider how the image may have invited viewers to contemplate their relationship to faith. Consider the emotional impact of the scene, as Mary cradles her son's body. While Gole adheres to traditional representations, the image's intense emotion also suggests an alternative narrative of empathy and human connection. Notice how the artist uses light and shadow to emphasize the vulnerability of Christ's body and the anguish on Mary's face. This engraving echoes societal concerns around mortality, suffering, and the search for solace in times of crisis.