Kruisafneming 1805

This print, "Kruisafneming," or "Descent from the Cross," was created by Charles Howard Hodges, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century, using the technique of mezzotint. Mezzotint is a printmaking process that relies on careful, laborious work. The plate is first roughened, then the image is created by selectively burnishing or scraping away the texture to create lighter areas. It's an indirect way of working, building up the image through tonal gradations. Hodges's skill is evident in the rich blacks and velvety textures he achieves. This print, with its dramatic composition, emphasizes the physical struggle and emotional intensity of the scene. The figures are rendered with careful attention to anatomy and expression, inviting viewers to contemplate the weight of suffering and loss. By appreciating the material process behind this image, we recognize the artist's technical virtuosity and his engagement with artistic traditions, in addition to the religious subject matter. In Hodges's hands, mezzotint becomes a medium for exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and human connection.