Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery 1590 - 1646

Belisario Corenzio created this drawing, "Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery," sometime between 1558 and 1646 using pen and blue ink on paper. Corenzio lived in Naples during a time of immense social stratification. His position as an artist working for the church and aristocracy afforded him unique insights into the prevailing attitudes towards morality and justice. The artwork depicts a biblical scene where a woman, accused of adultery, is brought before Jesus. The composition directs our attention to the emotional crux of the story: the profound shame of the kneeling woman versus the judgmental stance of the crowd. In his representation, Corenzio captures the nuances of gender and power. The woman, alone and vulnerable, stands in stark contrast to the male figures surrounding her. Her posture conveys a deep sense of humiliation, while the men appear self-righteous. It’s a powerful statement on the hypocrisy and societal inequalities. The raw emotionality and the evident social commentary make this drawing a compelling exploration of justice, mercy, and the human condition.