Christus aan het kruis 1676 - 1755

Pieter Balthasar Bouttats created this print of “Christus aan het kruis” sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During this period, the visual language of religion was often employed to reinforce social hierarchies and moral codes. This print presents a traditional representation of Christ’s crucifixion, yet the surrounding scenes invite us to consider the narratives of humanity and divinity through the lens of death and redemption. It reminds us of the pervasive influence of the church and its teachings on the lives of individuals. How might the artist's own beliefs have shaped his interpretation of this well-known biblical event? The emotional weight of the crucifixion is palpable, yet it's tempered by the promise of resurrection. It serves as a potent reminder of both human suffering and the possibility of spiritual renewal. This engraving encapsulates the complex relationship between faith, power, and the human condition.