Christus aan het kruis 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut depicting the crucifixion around the early 17th century. The scene reflects the religious and social environment of the Dutch Republic during the period. Consider the Reformation's impact on artistic expression. Woodcuts, like this one, became a means of disseminating religious narratives to a wider audience, bypassing the established church's control. This image uses visual codes to convey its message such as the central placement of Christ on the cross. Cultural references include the Roman soldiers and the mourning figures. Historical associations tie the image to the biblical narrative of the crucifixion. To understand this work better, we can draw on period pamphlets, sermons, and other artworks, to understand the complex interplay between faith, art, and society. The meaning of this work is contingent on its historical and institutional context.