The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost 1730 - 1790

Charles Nicolas Cochin II created this print, "The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost," sometime in the 18th century using red chalk on paper. Cochin, working in the age of Enlightenment, captures a pivotal scene from the New Testament, rich with themes of revelation and collective experience. The artwork depicts the moment when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, an event traditionally understood to mark the birth of the Christian Church. Notice the diverse gathering of figures, men and women from varied backgrounds, unified by a shared spiritual encounter. The flames above their heads symbolize divine inspiration. Cochin’s composition captures the emotional intensity of the scene, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the communal nature of religious experience. Consider how Cochin, working within the conventions of his time, navigates representing a moment of profound spiritual awakening, inviting viewers to reflect on the emotional and communal dimensions of faith.