Emmaüsgangers 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created "Emmaüsgangers", a drawing now held at the Rijksmuseum, during a time when Europe was deeply entrenched in religious and philosophical debates. Picart, positioned within the context of religious art, here reimagines a biblical narrative through his own lens. The figures, rendered with delicate lines, evoke a sense of quiet contemplation. The image illustrates the journey to Emmaus, a story of recognition and revelation. We see Jesus walking alongside two disciples, their expressions suggesting a mix of confusion and curiosity. I wonder about Picart's intention, did he perhaps aim to portray the intimate moment of understanding that transcends social differences. Perhaps he was considering the emotional weight of the moment of realization, focusing on the expressions and interactions between the figures. In reflecting on Picart’s work, consider how it invites us to think about our own journeys of discovery, recognition, and the deeply human desire for understanding.