Christus redt zielen uit het vagevuur 1492 - 1550

This anonymous print, titled "Christ Rescuing Souls from Purgatory," was created using etching. It depicts a theological idea that came to prominence in the late Middle Ages and remains topical today. The image creates meaning through a combination of visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It was made in the Netherlands, a region undergoing immense change, and this artwork is a product of its time. The figure of Christ acts as an interventionist, challenging the boundaries between the earthly and spiritual realms. The artwork also reflects the socio-political context of its creation. The rise of Protestantism questioned the very notion of purgatory. As historians, we delve into theological texts and social histories to fully understand the print’s place in the cultural landscape of its time. Ultimately, the meaning of this print is contingent on the ever-shifting sands of social and institutional context.