Opstanding 1623 - 1653

Pieter Nolpe’s engraving presents us with a radiant Christ emerging from his tomb, watched by startled soldiers. The dominant symbol here is, of course, Christ's upward ascent, an ancient motif that transcends its immediate religious context. Consider, for instance, the depictions of emperors and heroes ascending to the heavens in Roman art. This gesture of elevation speaks to a deeply rooted human desire for transcendence, echoing in both religious and secular imagery. But observe how Nolpe’s Christ differs. Unlike the triumphant Roman emperors, his ascent is marked by a gentle, almost ethereal quality. It is a moment of spiritual awakening, not a display of earthly power. This transition reflects a shift in cultural values, from the glorification of worldly achievements to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The figure of Christ, bathed in light, serves as a beacon of hope, offering a powerful, almost subconscious, promise of renewal. It is this cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols that reveals the enduring power of images to engage us on a deep, emotional level.