Kruisafname en bewening van Christus 1623 - 1676

François Chauveau created this print of the Deposition and Lamentation of Christ in the 17th century. Chauveau was a leading printmaker in France, and this work exemplifies the role of religious imagery in solidifying cultural values and institutions. Prints like this served a vital function in disseminating religious doctrine. The emotional scene, with Christ's lifeless body surrounded by mourners, was intended to provoke piety and reaffirm faith. Made during a period of religious and political upheaval in Europe, this image of the body of Christ can be seen as an endorsement of the Catholic Church and monarchy. Chauveau employs a visual language that draws on earlier Renaissance models, a cultural reference that imbues the image with authority. As art historians, we examine these images not just for their aesthetic qualities, but for what they tell us about the social and institutional context of their creation. By studying the history of printmaking, religious movements, and the patronage of artists like Chauveau, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art and society.