Maaltijd in Emmaüs 1534 - 1535

Georg Pencz created this tiny yet powerful engraving, "Meal at Emmaus," sometime between 1500 and 1550, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The stark contrast of light and shadow immediately draws the eye to Christ, whose illuminated figure is central. The lines are finely detailed, giving a sense of depth and texture that is remarkable for such a small print. Pencz uses the formal arrangement of figures around the table to explore themes of recognition and revelation. The two disciples, caught in shadow, flank the radiant Christ, their gestures suggesting both surprise and disbelief. The table itself acts as a structural boundary, separating the earthly realm from the divine presence that Christ embodies. Note the strategic use of light—how it isolates Christ, setting him apart from the others. This is not merely a depiction of a biblical scene; it is a carefully constructed visual argument about faith, perception, and the transformative power of belief. Pencz destabilizes the ordinary, infusing a common dining scene with profound spiritual significance.