Christus aan het kruis, Maria Magdalena omhelst het kruis 1666 - 1711

Louis de Deyster created this print, “Christ on the Cross, Mary Magdalene Embracing the Cross,” sometime between 1671 and 1711. Deyster, who lived in a time of significant religious and political upheaval, presents us here with more than just a scene of crucifixion; he invites us to contemplate the intersection of faith, gender, and power. Note how Mary Magdalene, a figure often marginalized or misunderstood, is centrally positioned, embracing the cross, her face reflecting grief and devotion. She is not a passive bystander but an active participant in this moment of profound religious significance. The male observers are kept at a distance, safely atop the hill, perhaps reflecting the traditional gender roles of the period, where women’s emotional displays were both scrutinized and essentialized. What does it mean to see her so entwined with the symbol of Christ's suffering? This piece asks us to consider the power and vulnerability inherent in faith, and the complex roles assigned to women in the narratives of sacrifice and redemption.