De Opstanding van Christus before 1539

Nicolaas Hogenberg's drawing presents Christ's resurrection, dominated by the stark contrast between the serene, upright figure of Christ and the flailing, disoriented Roman soldiers. Christ's raised hand symbolizes blessing and authority. This gesture, a potent symbol of divine power, echoes across time and cultures, reminiscent of ancient rulers extending their hands in displays of dominion. Yet, the fear and awe etched on the soldiers’ faces capture a primal, almost subconscious reaction to the inexplicable and the divine, a testament to humanity’s enduring fascination with mortality and transcendence. Consider, too, the symbolic weight of Christ's standard, which reoccurs through ages, each time reborn with the cultural and emotional nuances of its era.