Christus met de Syro-Fenicische vrouw 1826 - 1886

Dirk Jurriaan Sluyter created this print depicting ‘Christus met de Syro-Fenicische vrouw’, which translates to 'Christ with the Syrophoenician Woman'. The greyscale image is rendered with intricate cross-hatching, setting a somber tone. A woman kneels, beseeching Christ, who stands centrally, flanked by onlookers. Sluyter employs compositional techniques rooted in classical traditions. The subjects are meticulously arranged, evoking both drama and a sense of staged solemnity. Light and shadow are handled to create depth and emphasize the emotional intensity of the scene, highlighting the contrast between the supplicant and the impassive figures surrounding her. This print reflects an interest in the intersection of religious narrative and social hierarchy, a common theme in 19th-century art. The woman's posture and the detailed rendering of Christ’s face invite us to consider how these symbolic and visual cues reinforce or challenge societal norms, and ultimately invite ongoing interpretation.