Christus aan het kruis 1500 - 1527

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving of 'Christ on the Cross’ during the Italian Renaissance, a period in which classical forms were revived and reinterpreted through the lens of Christian belief. The dominant symbol is, of course, the crucifixion itself, representing ultimate sacrifice. The motif of the cross, however, echoes through time, resonating with pre-Christian tree-worshiping cultures. Think of the axis mundi, the world tree connecting heaven and earth, a concept found in ancient pagan traditions. The cross becomes a powerful symbol, laden with layers of cultural memory, its impact rippling through centuries. Consider the emotional weight of this image. The outstretched arms of Christ evoke a sense of both suffering and acceptance, a visual representation of profound psychological tension. These symbols are not static; they evolve, intertwine, and resurface in unexpected ways. The cross, once a pagan symbol, transformed into an emblem of Christian salvation, continues its journey through time.