Fragment van de Kruisiging: c. 1475 - 1477

Adriaen van Wesel carved this fragment of the face of Christ during the crucifixion, likely in the late 15th century. The face, though small, carries the immense weight of sacrifice and suffering. Consider the recurring motif of the suffering face throughout art history. From ancient Greek masks of tragedy to the countless depictions of the Passion, the distorted face serves as a potent symbol of human anguish. Look at Laocoön's face as he struggles against the serpents; or Christ’s face, repeated by artists over the centuries. The image of the suffering face is a cultural constant, a mirror reflecting our collective fears and sorrows. It is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol transcends time, resurfacing and evolving, carrying the weight of human experience through history.