Opstanding van Christus 1610 - 1638

This engraving, "Opstanding van Christus," was made by Magdalena van de Passe around the early 17th century. The composition is dominated by a powerful contrast between the ascending Christ, radiant and full of light, and the chaotic scene below, where soldiers are thrown into disarray. Notice how van de Passe uses dense, intricate lines to create texture and depth, especially in the swirling clouds and the soldiers’ armor. The dynamic arrangement of figures and objects creates a sense of movement and drama, drawing the eye upward towards Christ. The engraving can be interpreted through the lens of semiotics, with each element serving as a signifier. For instance, the light surrounding Christ symbolizes divine glory, while the overthrown soldiers represent the defeat of earthly power and death. This artwork challenges traditional representations of power by showing the triumph of spiritual strength over physical might.