Christus aan het kruis 1626

Lucas Vorsterman I created this print, Christus aan het kruis, sometime between 1595 and 1675 using engraving. During this time, the power of the Catholic Church was diminishing and religious artworks were a tool to maintain its influence. This image invites us to contemplate the suffering of Christ. Look at how Vorsterman renders the body, emphasizing Christ’s humanity through his physical pain. The artist uses light and shadow to create a dramatic scene that evokes a sense of sorrow and reverence. It’s important to remember that the depiction of Christ's body has often been used to convey specific messages about power, sacrifice, and redemption. Notice the musculature of Jesus, which seems to challenge traditional ideas of sacrifice. This piece invites reflection on the intersection of faith, power, and the body.