Christus voor het Sanhedrin en de oudsten 1629 - 1740

This engraving, made by Christoffel van Sichem II, depicts Christ before the Sanhedrin, a scene laden with symbolic weight. Dominating the composition is the figure of Christ, centrally positioned and encircled by the council members, emphasizing the injustice of the scene. Note the weapons at the bottom, recalling images of soldiers carrying spears that evoke the spear of Longinus. This symbol can be traced back to ancient Roman depictions of power, a stark reminder of the violent end that awaits Christ. This motif reappears in countless artworks depicting his Passion, each reiteration embedding the symbol deeper into our collective psyche. The emotional resonance of this scene remains potent. Sichem's work serves as a mirror, reflecting our capacity for both profound faith and unspeakable cruelty.