Metalen reliëf opgesteld tijdens de Exposition Rétrospective van 1873 in Tours, Frankrijk, afgebeeld de kruisiging van Christus 1873

Gabriel Blaise created this metal relief depicting the crucifixion of Christ, which was shown at the Exposition Rétrospective of 1873 in Tours, France. During this period, France was deeply divided between its Catholic traditions and the emerging secular values of the Third Republic. Blaise’s choice of subject matter situates the piece within these debates about national identity. The crucifixion scene in itself is a powerful symbol, laden with themes of sacrifice, suffering, and redemption, which are central to Christian faith. The suffering of Christ can be seen as a metaphor for human suffering, injustice, and the search for meaning in a world marked by inequality. The metal material and the relief technique give it a tactile quality, inviting a sensory engagement with the artwork. Reflecting on this work, consider how the depiction of Christ’s suffering resonates with our own experiences of sorrow, grief, and pain.