Tapijt met de geseling en doornenkroning van Christus en prefiguraties in een kerk te La Chaise-Dieu c. 1868 - 1873

Hippolyte Malègue made this drawing of a tapestry depicting the scourging and crowning with thorns of Christ, alongside prefigurations in a church at La Chaise-Dieu. This tapestry is part of a historical narrative deeply embedded in Christian faith, illustrating not just biblical scenes but also their symbolic foreshadowings. Tapestries like these served as visual aids in medieval churches, teaching biblical stories to a largely illiterate population, and reinforcing social hierarchies. Malègue’s sketch captures the raw emotional power of these scenes, from the physical suffering of Christ to the triumphalism of his divine purpose. We are reminded that, at the time, the church held significant political power, influencing laws, customs, and social norms. This tapestry, therefore, reflects not only religious devotion, but the church’s role in shaping European identity. Consider the emotional and historical weight carried within this piece. It's a reflection of faith, power, and the narratives that have shaped society.