Christus aan het kruis 1612 - 1616

Theodoor Galle created this engraving, "Christus aan het kruis," sometime between 1587 and 1633. Galle, working in Antwerp, was deeply embedded in the religious and political conflicts of his time. His work often reflects the tensions between the Catholic Church and the emerging Protestant Reformation. Here, we see Christ on the cross, a potent symbol, but look closer at the figures surrounding him. Mary, and Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross, embody grief, while also representing different aspects of female identity. There's an angel, offering solace, and Roman soldiers in the background. Consider how Galle uses the print to portray the emotional weight of the crucifixion. The cross looms large and Christ’s body is illuminated, emphasizing his suffering and sacrifice. Engravings like this one were crucial in disseminating religious imagery and shaping devotion. How might it have reinforced or challenged the viewer's understanding of faith, gender, and power during this tumultuous period?