Christ crucified between the two thieves: an oval plate after 1641

This oval plate depicts the crucifixion scene, etched by an anonymous artist and held in the Rijksmuseum collection. The composition is dominated by the stark verticality of three crosses against a softly shaded background. This simple, yet powerful, arrangement draws the eye upward. The figures below are huddled in grief, rendered with a dense network of fine lines. Light seems to emanate from the central figure of Christ, contrasting sharply with the shadowed onlookers. The oval format compresses the scene. This adds to the emotional intensity by focusing our attention on the interplay between light, shadow, and line. Consider how the artist uses the stark contrast of light and shadow to create a sense of drama and depth. These formal choices serve not only to depict a biblical scene but also to evoke feelings of suffering and redemption. This interplay invites contemplation on the themes of faith, sacrifice, and human experience.