The Crowning with Thorns 1670

Curator: This print, entitled "The Crowning with Thorns" is by Melchior Küsel and is held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark contrast of light and shadow really pulls you in, doesn't it? It feels almost theatrical. Curator: Absolutely. The theatricality mirrors the actual drama, right? We see this architectural space that evokes power, with Jesus surrounded by these jeering figures. It’s a brutal depiction of the abuse of power. Editor: And the artist's mark-making enhances that brutality. The dense cross-hatching in the shadows creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia. Curator: It highlights the way marginalized groups are often subjected to violence justified by the dominant ideology. Even the architecture itself participates in this narrative of subjugation. Editor: Agreed, a very affecting composition. It has certainly given me pause to consider the many layers of intentionality. Curator: Indeed. It’s a potent reminder of how images shape our understanding of history and social dynamics.