Christuskind slapend op het kruis 1772 - 1835

Franz (I) Michelis created this artwork, titled "Christuskind slapend op het kruis" – or "Infant Christ Sleeping on the Cross" – using etching and drypoint. Here, we see the Christ Child resting peacefully upon the very instrument of his future Passion. This motif evokes a profound sense of pathos, intertwining innocence with impending suffering. This image of the sleeping child finds echoes in the broader tradition of the "Sleeping Eros," a symbol of dormant potential and latent power. The cross, typically a symbol of death and sacrifice, is here softened, transformed into a cradle. This juxtaposition embodies the complex interplay of life and death, a recurring theme in the human psyche. It is a reminder of our mortality and the promise of renewal and salvation. The visual pairing of these symbols touches upon our deepest anxieties and hopes, resonating on a subconscious level. This image embodies the cyclical nature of existence, where symbols evolve, resurface, and gain new layers of meaning.