Christus geneest tien melaatsen 1579 - 1585

This is "Christus geneest tien melaatsen", made by Wierix around the late 16th or early 17th century. In this engraving, Wierix depicts a biblical story where Jesus heals ten lepers. Reflecting on the historical context, leprosy, a disease causing severe disfigurement, often led to social isolation. Those afflicted were marginalized, seen as outcasts both physically and spiritually. Wierix’s work can be viewed through the lens of social exclusion and the redemptive possibilities of faith. The image evokes a sense of desperation and hope. The lepers reach out to Jesus, embodying a plea for acceptance and healing. Consider the emotional weight of this scene, where individuals stripped of their social standing seek restoration not just of their bodies but also of their identities. "Christus geneest tien melaatsen" invites us to contemplate themes of compassion, societal attitudes toward illness, and the enduring human desire for belonging.