Christus aan het volk getoond (Ecce homo) 1586 - 1650

This is Cornelis Galle the First’s engraving, “Christus aan het volk getoond,” or “Ecce Homo,” created in the early 17th century. The print's composition is structured around a stark contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the emotional weight of the scene. Note how the figures are meticulously delineated, with close attention to the textures of clothing and skin. Galle uses line and form to express the narrative and imbue the scene with dramatic tension. The octagonal frame that encloses the image adds to the feeling that the artwork is a window into a key moment, and the figures looking up from below pull us as viewers into the role of the crowd. Galle balances depth and detail, using a semiotic system of signs to connect the visual elements with cultural codes and stories. The arrangement and density of the lines help to create visual interest. The artwork engages with themes of power, representation, and meaning which remain open to endless re-interpretations.