Reverse Copy of La Condamnation a Mort (Jesus Sentenced to Death), from La Petite Passion (The Little Passion) 1624 - 1700

This reverse copy of "La Condamnation a Mort" is an engraving on paper. The composition is immediately striking with its architectural backdrop framing the chaotic scene of Jesus' sentencing. Observe how the anonymous artist uses dense, cross-hatched lines to build form and shadow, creating a dramatic contrast between light and dark. This not only directs our eye, but also infuses the scene with a palpable tension. The figures, though small, are rendered with an expressive energy, their gestures and postures communicating the gravity of the moment. Consider the structure of the image: the architectural elements provide a rigid, almost oppressive structure against which the human drama unfolds. The scene is filled with a dynamic interplay of diagonals and verticals which suggests both movement and conflict. This structural tension underscores the philosophical weight of the event. The work, therefore, operates as a semiotic field, inviting us to interpret its forms and their relations to understand the complex interplay of power, justice, and faith.