Christus aan het kruis (1e prijs 1784) Possibly 1784

Hendrik Louw made this pencil drawing, titled "Christus aan het kruis", in 1784. The almost monochrome palette, rendered in careful gradations, invites a focus on form and structure. Louw presents the figure of Christ with a stark realism, emphasizing anatomical precision. The body is elongated and vulnerable, fixed to the timber cross. The composition emphasizes the verticality of the cross, reinforcing the sense of suspension and suffering. Note how Louw uses light and shadow to model the figure, creating depth and volume. The subtle tonal variations across the figure serve to highlight not only the physical form but also the emotional weight of the subject. Through this interplay of light, shadow, and carefully rendered form, Louw evokes a profound sense of pathos and human vulnerability. Ultimately, the drawing functions as a site where the aesthetic and the theological intersect.