The Resurrection c. 1608 - 1653

Curator: This is "The Resurrection," an engraving by Abraham Hogenberg, created around the early 17th century. Editor: The detail is incredible! It has a frenetic energy. All those figures tumbling about—chaos and awe rendered in delicate lines. Curator: Hogenberg was working within a highly charged religious landscape. Consider the Reformation and its impact on imagery and power dynamics. This work negotiates those tensions. Editor: I notice the strong emphasis on the physical presence of the figures, the weight of the armor, the texture of the clouds. How does the materiality of the printmaking process contribute to the scene's drama? Curator: The distribution of this print played a role in spreading certain ideologies about power, about faith, and its representation. Editor: The labor involved in crafting this image, the social context of its production—it all adds layers to our understanding. Curator: Indeed. Understanding the historical context is crucial to unlocking the full meaning of the work. Editor: I’ll be considering the skill involved in its making alongside its religious message. Thanks for this.