Christus valt onder zijn kruis 1600 - 1620

This print, "Christ Carrying the Cross," was created by Elias van den Bossche. Its stark monochrome palette and intricate linework capture a moment laden with tension and physical strain. The composition divides the scene between the earthly and the divine. At the bottom, Christ succumbs to the weight of the cross under the sharp, downward gazes of the Roman soldiers. A thick, solid cross divides the print, running diagonally across the plane, which suggests a visual representation of the burden he bears. Above, the turbulent sky adds to the emotional intensity. This division creates a dialogue between the suffering of Christ and the distant, detached sky. The engraving technique, with its dense network of lines, not only renders form and texture but also emphasizes the weight and the roughness of the cross. This element of texture functions as a signifier, reflecting the harsh realities of human suffering and the weighty implications of sacrifice. This is not just a depiction of a biblical event but a contemplation on human suffering.