Dimensions: height 112 mm, width 74 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This woodcut, made by Christoffel van Sichem II, depicts Christ carrying the cross, surrounded by others similarly burdened, under the watchful gaze of God in the heavens. The most potent symbol here is the cross, an instrument of torture transformed into an emblem of sacrifice and redemption. We see its echoes in various forms across cultures, from ancient solar crosses to modern-day religious symbols. The act of carrying the cross is an emotionally charged motif. It recurs in art history, symbolizing suffering, atonement, and spiritual burden, deeply rooted in our collective consciousness. This image is evocative, engaging our subconscious understanding of suffering. The cross, heavy and burdensome, mirrors our own emotional burdens. In turn, this speaks to our deepest fears and hopes, a cycle of despair and redemption that continues to resonate through time.
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