Kruisafneming 1639 - 1670

This print of the Descent from the Cross was made by Petrus Clouwet in Antwerp, sometime in the mid-17th century. It shows the body of Christ being taken down from the cross, surrounded by mourners. But let’s consider the printmaking industry in Antwerp at this time. Religious prints like this one were enormously popular and were produced in large numbers for a wide audience. Antwerp was a major center for printmaking, and artists like Clouwet often worked in workshops, collaborating with other artisans to produce these images. The popularity of this image also reflects the strong Catholic identity of Antwerp at the time. After the religious conflicts of the 16th century, Antwerp remained a bastion of Catholicism, and images like this one played an important role in reinforcing religious beliefs and practices. To understand this print fully, we can consult sources such as guild records, workshop inventories, and religious pamphlets. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can see how art both reflects and shapes the world around it.