Christus, Johannes de Doper en twee putti 1840 - 1843

Franciscus Bernardus Waanders created this print, depicting Christ, John the Baptist, and two putti, sometime in the 19th century. Waanders, active during a time of significant religious and social change, situates his figures within the established visual language of Christianity. Yet, within this framework, the image subtly challenges conventional interpretations. The putti, with their playful innocence, introduce an element of childlike wonder, softening the solemnity often associated with religious art. The intimacy of the scene—the gentle touch, the shared fruit—suggests a vision of divinity rooted in tenderness and human connection. Consider how Waanders uses light and shadow to create an atmosphere of serene contemplation. The figures emerge from the darkness, bathed in a soft glow that emphasizes their vulnerability and humanity. Through this intimate portrayal, the artwork invites us to reconsider the relationship between the divine and the earthly, emphasizing compassion and empathy.