Tien hoofden van mannen van verschillende leeftijden 1580

Lucas Mayer created this engraving, "Ten Heads of Men of Various Ages," in the late 16th century, a period rife with religious and philosophical ferment. The woodcut presents us with a cluster of male heads, each distinct in age and expression. The most prominent figure bears a stone tablet inscribed with "VIA," evoking the "Via Dolorosa," or the "Way of Suffering." This motif is central to Christian iconography, symbolizing Christ's path to crucifixion, and it echoes through art history, from medieval Passion plays to Renaissance paintings. Note the variety of faces, some contemplative, others anguished. This reflects a deep, subconscious human response to suffering and mortality. Such intense emotional states are conveyed through the composition itself, inviting us to connect on a visceral level. The "Via" is not merely a historical event but a continuously relived experience, resurfacing in different forms across time. It is a powerful force, deeply rooted in our collective memory and the human psyche.