Graflegging van Christus 1581 - 1658

This is a woodcut of 'The entombment of Christ' by Christoffel van Sichem II. Here we see Christ being laid in his tomb, his lifeless body surrounded by mourners in a cave-like sepulcher. The halo that encircles Christ's head, a visual echo of ancient sun disks, marks his divinity and sets a tone of celestial significance against the raw grief displayed by those around him. Consider how this motif of divine light has evolved—from pagan symbols to Christian iconography—each culture adapting and imbuing it with new layers of meaning. The cave itself is a potent symbol, echoing the darkness of death but also the potential for rebirth, reminiscent of ancient mystery cults where initiates underwent symbolic death and resurrection. Such depictions tap into our deepest fears and hopes, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The act of mourning, the rituals of burial—these are universal expressions of grief that transcend time, continuously resurfacing in art, evolving, yet eternally echoing the human condition.