Kruisafneming 1598 - 1618

This engraving by Jan Collaert II captures the somber scene of the Descent from the Cross. The dominant image is the limp body of Christ, being carefully lowered. This echoes ancient depictions of fallen heroes and gods, figures like Icarus or even the dying Gaul, all embodying a tragic fall from grace. Notice how the figures around Christ express grief through dramatic gestures—hands clasped, faces contorted in sorrow. These gestures, or what I term "pathos formulas," reappear across centuries. Think of the mourning figures on Roman sarcophagi, their poses of lamentation strikingly similar, conveying a timeless human response to loss. The crown of thorns lying discarded at the base of the cross is a powerful symbol, a stark reminder of suffering and sacrifice. Its presence is not merely narrative; it’s a potent symbol engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These visual motifs are not static; they evolve, resurfacing in new forms, charged with new meanings, yet still tethered to their origins.