Longinus steekt de gekruisigde Christus met een lans 1831 - 1890

Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels created this artwork, "Longinus Steekt de Gekruisigde Christus Met Een Lans," using etching, around the mid-19th century. The print is dominated by a tightly packed composition, featuring a multitude of figures gathered around the central image of Christ on the cross. Notice how the artist employs stark contrasts of light and shadow to heighten the drama, creating a sense of emotional intensity. Michiels uses the semiotic language inherent in religious art to create meaning. The lance, the cross, and the figures surrounding Christ are visual signs loaded with cultural and religious significance. These elements combine to destabilize any simple interpretation, prompting viewers to engage with themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. The etching technique lends a tactile quality to the scene, underscoring the themes of pain and sacrifice. This invites ongoing interpretation as we consider the interplay between artistic form and cultural meaning.