Christus geneest de verlamde man 1579 - 1643

This engraving of Christ healing the paralytic man was made by Wierix, sometime between 1550 and 1620. The scene depicts a moment from the gospels that speaks to faith and divine intervention. But it also highlights the social role of religious institutions in offering help to the sick and disabled. Made in the Netherlands, this image is a product of a culture deeply shaped by religious belief and practice. The architecture in the background suggests a grand religious space, perhaps referencing a contemporary church. Consider how the artist uses light and shadow to draw attention to the figure of Christ, emphasizing his divine power. The story also reflects the social realities of the time. The sick and disabled often relied on the charity of religious institutions for support. To understand this engraving better, we might research the social and religious history of the Netherlands, looking at how faith shaped people's daily lives. Art is not created in a vacuum, it is a reflection of the society in which it is made, and a tool for influencing it.