Man van Smarten 1519

Sebald Beham's "Man of Sorrows" (1519) is a small yet powerful etching depicting Christ crowned with thorns. This intimate work, now held in the Rijksmuseum, utilizes detailed lines to convey the physical and emotional suffering of Christ. The figure is rendered with anatomical accuracy, emphasizing his humanity and the brutality of his ordeal. The radiating light emanating from the crown of thorns underscores the divine nature of Christ, despite his pain. This deeply personal and evocative image reflects the artistic style of German Renaissance printmaking, known for its meticulous detail and emotional intensity.