Kruisdraging 1924

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this print titled "Kruisdraging" using etching. The print predominantly features a somber figure of Christ, rendered in a monochrome palette that enhances the work's gravity. The composition, while seemingly traditional, introduces subtle disruptions. Note how the cross is not fully represented. Instead, it is fragmented into mere linear suggestions behind Christ, challenging the viewer’s expectations of religious iconography. The use of line is particularly striking, especially in the crown of thorns and the rendering of the hair, each stroke contributing to an overall sense of texture and depth. Semiotically, the halo, traditionally a symbol of divinity, is reduced to a simple circle. The work destabilizes conventional religious imagery, prompting us to rethink the symbol and its established meanings. The use of etching allows for fine lines, creating a visual tension between detail and abstraction. The fragmented cross, combined with the minimalist halo, underscores the philosophical undertones of questioning and reinterpretation.