"Aimez-vous les uns les autres" 1923

Georges Rouault's print presents us with a stark image of the crucifixion, dominated by the figure of Christ on the cross, marked with the haunting inscription ‘INRI.’ This is a visual shorthand for the profound narrative of sacrifice and redemption. Here, the image of the crucifixion echoes through the ages, recalling ancient depictions of suffering gods and sacrificial rites. Consider, for instance, the Mithraic mysteries, where the slaying of the bull held similar connotations of renewal and sacrifice. The image transcends its immediate Christian context, tapping into a deep reservoir of human experience. It is this gesture—the acceptance of suffering—that resurfaces time and again. The emotional intensity is palpable, engaging our collective memory on a subconscious level, making visible the cyclical nature of human suffering, and our ongoing quest for redemption.